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=Olufuko Festival=

Olufuko is an Oshiwambo traditional practice that turns girls and young women into brides without grooms. It has been banned over several years by the mainstream churches, saying that, the practice is against Christianity.

The ceremony takes place in Outapi, the capital of Omusati region. Girls between the age of 16 and 19 actually take part in the festival. The aim of the cultural event is to prepare young girls for womanhood and making sure that the girls are well taken care of, took their baths and have all the traditional necessities required.

The important parts of Olufuko is pregnancy testing. Making sure a bride is not pregnant while going though the process and it’s done when a bride is asked to physically work in order to prove that she is not pregnant. That includes pounding grain such as mahangu and sorghum during the day. According to the beliefs, if she vomits, then she is pregnant. She will be disqualified if she found to be pregnant.

At the same time men are allowed to choose who they want, and they do that by placing a bracelet on a girl’s wrist. It is up to her whether to accept the proposal or not. If the bride removes the bracelet, it means she rejects the proposal.

The official opening of the event was done by the, former President Sam Nujoma.

Criticism of Olufuko

 * Some people are saying that Olufuko exposes young girls to sexual abuse, by walking around half naked.
 * Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (ELCIN) is totally against the event. Saying that Olufuko is against the Christian norms and principles, so any Christian who associates himself with the event by taking their daughter should be prepared to be expelled from the church.
 * NamRights also reject the Olufuko practice because it is "discriminatory and degrading against girls,” They argue on the business community and any other concerned persons to reject the festival and not to encourage the violation of women’s right in the country.

Challege against the Criticism of Olufuko

 * Olufuko is just one of the many things young people should be taught. They are more into western traditions. If you ask a young person something about America they will be able to tell you but if ask them about their own culture they will not know much.
 * "Our culture is our identity. Churches are more western they should let the Olufuko be. Our generation should be given the opportunity to know about the past ways of living and it's they choice if they want to be part of it or not".
 * Olufuko is a cleansing ceremony for girls before they become women. In addition, Olufuko prepares girls to become good wives and good mothers.
 * The Olufuko have the responsibility to ensure that their children go back to school and they are educated about issues related to unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
 * Traditionalists say the revival of Olufuko should be seen in a positive light because during the festival some men showed their skills at making fire without using matches.

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