New Narratives / New Beginnings

The menstrual cycle affects the physical and emotional development of adolescent girls. Amongst the nomadic Ovahimba of Namibia, the first menstruation is a sign a girl is ready get married and give birth. A bride price (cattle or money) is paid to the girl's family to commit her to marriage, often to men older than her. Once married girls drop out of school and start the process of child bearing. Girls are denied their right to education and autonomy and have no control over their sexual lives.