A Critique of Some Harmful Cultural Practices Against Females in Selected African Countries: A Social Work Perspective

Abstract

The review focused on some harmful cultural practices against females in selected African countries. The methodology was a documentary study with data obtained from secondary sources. The theoretical perspective relied on three theories, social convention, anomie, and social learning theory.  Findings: The review reported on some harmful cultural practices that violated the human rights of females. These are Female Genital Mutilation [FGM], flogging of child brides, widowhood sexual rites, child sexual initiation ceremonies, breast ironing, child marriages, and child slavery and the associated risks stated. The Social Work perspective identified adverse consequences of all the cultural practices relating to the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of female survivors. The review condemned the use of females to sustain barbaric cultural rites that have lasted for centuries. Conclusion: The rejection of all harmful cultural practices and the education of male and female children to have a future to embrace new mind-sets of modernity that ends all barbaric cultural practices. Recommendations: There should be continuous sensitization against harmful cultural practices and the need to strengthen human rights for all. Also, the prosecutions of violators must be intensified to serve as deterrence.