Girls' innocence and futures stolen: The cultural practice of sexual cleansing in Malawi

Abstract

Violence and abuse against children worldwide has become a growing concern. The traditional practice of old men having sex with young girls, as practised in rural and isolated areas in Malawi, is a human rights violation and impacts on the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. The “sexual cleansing” practice is considered a rite of passage and it is performed by a paid sex worker referred to as a “hyena”. It is challenging to present actual statistics as the ritual is sometimes practiced in secret. What is certain, however, is that the rights of the girl child, which are fundamental to their growth and development are violated. This paper aims to explore this harmful cultural practice and provide recommendations on cultural-based interventions.Findings emanating from the literature review indicate that children undergoing this sexual cleansing ritual belong to an already vulnerable Malawian population of the “rural girl child” requiring care and protection, as the fisi ritual is abusive in nature and has adverse consequences. In conclusion, governments and child protection advocates working in remote areas in Malawi face challenges brought about by poverty and culture(s), subsequently impeding realization of children's rights. In addition, renewed progressive practice approaches are required for rigorous exploration of the best pragmatic pathways when intervening with complex moral and cultural-based child protection challenges.