Family Resources and Reproductive Health of Girls: A Focus on Money and 'Tugbewcwc': Puberty Rites among the Dodome Ewes

Hevi-Yiboe, Laetitia A.P.

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Periodical article

Leiden University catalogue

Title:	Family Resources and Reproductive Health of Girls: A Focus on Money and 'Tugbewcwc': Puberty Rites among the Dodome Ewes
Author:	Hevi-Yiboe, Laetitia A.P.
Year:	2003
Periodical:	Research Review (ISSN 0855-4412)
Volume:	19
Issue:	1
Pages:	79-90
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:	Ghana West Africa
Subjects:	Ewe girls' initiation sexuality Cultural Roles Family Planning and Contraception Health, Nutrition, and Medicine Family Life Anthropology, Folklore, Culture reproductive health girls Premarital sex Rites and ceremonies Puberty rites
Abstract:	There has been considerable concern about the reproductive health status of girls in Ghana in recent years due to the increase in premarital sexual activities amongst youths, and the socioeconomic implications of teenage pregnancy and illegal abortions. The major objective of this paper is to throw some light on how proper use of family resources (such as money, time, energy) and community resources (such as schools) could help resolve the problem. In traditional societies in the past, specific rites were instituted to safeguard productive health. Puberty rites are an example. In Dodome traditional area (Ho district, Volta Region, Ghana), the puberty rite for girls ('tugbewcwc') has been suspended for some years now. As part of these rites, girls are supposed to remain virgins till after the rites are performed. The paper examines the process of 'tugbewcwc' as well as its objectives, advantages and disadvantages. An exploratory study in Dodome revealed that the majority of the people would like 'tugbewcwc' to be reintroduced. The paper recommends that families be empowered financially to meet members' needs and that a detailed study be carried out into 'tugbewcwc' with the aim of understanding and modernizing the rites for reintroduction in Dodome and the Ho district as a whole. Bibliogr., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract]