Zimbabwe: Prohibited Close Family Intimacy

analysis

There are some practices in our cultures that have been misused in the name of family bonding. We now see a deliberate twisting of some customary values in an effort to gain unsolicited unholy liaisons within family members.

One traditional practice which is meant to strengthen relations is that of "chiramu", where the younger sister of a wife acts as a "mini-wife" to the sister's husband. This should be restricted to certain chores like cooking, washing, serving food and meant to prepare the youngsters for adulthood. It was intended to groom girls in terms of responsibilities.

...

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.