THIS IS NOT CULTURE, THIS IS CRUELTY

There are some things we cannot ignore, no matter how uncomfortable they are.

I recently came across reports about a festival in Delta State where women are warned not to come outside during a certain period. It is said that any woman who does becomes vulnerable to sexual violence.

Even hearing this is deeply disturbing.

Let us be clear and honest.

This is not culture.

This is not tradition.

This is cruelty.

No culture should put women in danger. No tradition should create fear or strip people of their dignity. Culture is meant to protect life, not threaten it.

WHEN TRADITION IS USED TO JUSTIFY WRONG

We need to ask ourselves real questions.

What kind of festival creates fear for women?

What kind of practice makes people unsafe in their own community?

Anything that promotes harm should not be defended in the name of culture.

In this generation, we must stop excusing wrong and calling it tradition.

THE VOICES WE MAY NEVER HEAR

Before social media, how many people experienced things like this in silence?

How many stories were never told?

How many lives were affected without justice or support?

This is why awareness matters. Speaking up matters.

Because silence protects wrong, but truth protects people.

A CALL FOR RESPONSIBILITY

This is not something to overlook.

Authorities and community leaders must take responsibility. There must be clear protection for women and accountability for any form of violence.

No celebration should come at the cost of someone’s safety.

WHAT TRUE CULTURE REPRESENTS

As someone who proudly represents Yoruba culture, I must say this clearly.

Our culture teaches character, respect, dignity, and compassion.

We do not glorify violence. Our ancestors upheld life, balance, and fairness. Culture was meant to guide people, not harm them.

When people hear negative stories and begin to generalize African traditions, we must correct that thinking.

Not everything called culture is truly culture.

CULTURE MUST NEVER BE ABOVE HUMANITY

Culture should grow. Culture should reflect humanity.

Anything that brings harm, fear, or injustice should not be protected. It should be questioned and corrected.

Because no tradition is greater than human life.

FINAL WORD

Let us stop hiding behind culture to justify wrong.

Let us protect our women.

Let us protect our communities.

Let us choose what is right.

Because a society that cannot guarantee safety is failing its people.

ÌRẸ́ O 🌿

May peace, justice, and truth prevail.

Omolola Talkstv

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