Childlessness in Marriage among the Bakossi Community in Cameroon

Description

Marriage and childbearing within a significant African community are inextricably linked. Having one’s own child is seen as an indispensable requirement for social status, the survival of the family name (lineage) and the community at large. Nevertheless, childlessness is a taboo subject for public discussion within the African space and the silence around it is so loud and deafening. Besides, religious practices and beliefs help fuel the desire for reproduction. Childlessness in African space is a challenge to personhood and faith. Procreation is not only highly honoured for its status as a normal adult. Having children stands as proof of that which makes men – men and women – women. Childbearing in marriage is traditionally interpreted as the achievement of normal gender identity and the fulfilment of God’s will for humanity; which is, to be fruitful – increase in number and subdue the earth (Gen.1:26-28). Failure to fulfil this traditionally interpreted divinely mandate by God for couples, quite often attracts scorn and derogatory comments from society.