Ban harmful ‘knife girl’ dance, urges mayor
By Mast Reporter
LIVINGSTONE Mayor Dr Constance Mukelabai has appealed to parents and guardians to stop allowing young girls to dance as knife girls on wedding ceremonies.
Dr Mukelabai said in light of the high numbers of defilement and rape cases the country has recorded in the past few weeks, there was an urgent need to refocus and save the girl-child from sexual abuse by stopping them from dancing at weddings.
“Throughout my tenure, I have had the honour of officiating numerous wedding ceremonies and in many of these celebrations, I have observed a concerning trend. Young girls are often assigned the role of ‘knife girls’ tasked with performing dance routines before presenting the knife for the ceremonial cake cutting,” she said.
“In light of the alarming rise in cases of sexual violence against women and children the nation is currently facing, I urge parents and guardians to reconsider this practice.”
Dr Mukelabai said that allowing young girls to dance at such functions expose them to potential harm.
She said in most cases girls engaged in suggestive movements (twerking), which were often misconstrued leading to harmful behaviour.
“Allowing our daughters to dance as knife girls not only exposes them to potential harm, but also inadvertently attracts the attention of those who would exploit their innocence. It is disheartening to witness young girls engaging in suggestive movements [twerking], which can be misconstrued and lead to dangerous situations,” Dr Mukelabai said.
She warned that the practice constituted abuse of the girl-child by those who continued to allow such practices.
Dr Mukelabai urged parents to consider other alternatives rather than expose young girls to ‘rapists’ and defilers.
“We must recognise that this practice constitutes an abuse of our children and a violation of their rights. Instead of placing our young ones in such vulnerable positions, let us consider alternatives. There are many capable individuals such as adults and even young men who can fulfill this role without compromising the safety and dignity of our children. Moreover, it is essential for us as parents and guardians to foster an environment of protection at home,” Dr Mukelabai said.
“We must be vigilant in ensuring that our children are not exposed to inappropriate situations or behaviours, as true charity begins within our own households. Let us unite in our commitment to eradicating sexual violence against women and children.”
