Amanze is a remote village predominantly inhabited by farmers and small-time traders. Only few of the villagers had the opportunity of going to school. Most parents assumed school was an unnecessary waste of money and valuable time and resources. Women in Amanze were not respected and were not treated equally with men. Many customs and traditions of the Amanze people effectively ensured that women were marginalized and indeed made them look not just unimportant, but also valueless in their community.

Ebuka was one of those men who believed that women's education starts and ends in the kitchen. He had two daughters and a son. Adaobi was the eldest child; Obiageli was the second while Edeh, his son, was the last. Edeh was a spoilt child. Ebuka loved him so much and did not care much for his daughters. He never allowed Edeh to do anything in the house to the utter consternation of the other members of his household. The wife and daughters often complain bitterly about this unfair and unfatherly treatment but Ebuka was not moved by their complaints. He dealt with anyone who disturbed Edeh and was quick to lash out at anybody who dared trouble him. Edeh capitalized on this and misbehaved endlessly. He had no respect or regard for his elder sisters.

One day, Adaobi and Obiageli were about to go to the market with Mama and Edeh but Edeh refused to go with them. Instead, he picked up his football and made to go out and play with his friends. Obiageli tried to snatch away the ball from him but Ebuka rushed out of his room and dared her to stop Edeh from going out to play with his friends.

"Let me hear you complain about Edeh and I will skin you alive," Ebuka fumed and went back to the house glaring angrily at Obiageli.

"Papa it's not fair oh! It's not fair at all. Every time Adaobi and I would do everything in the house while Edeh does nothing, he only plays and eats," Obiageli complained angrily. Adaobi shook her head in pity shrugged and kept quiet.

WATCH OUT FOR PART TWO

Culled from EskerVictors blog