The Leblouh Problem
The Leblouh problem is an issue which often isn’t discussed in the media. For those of you who are unaware of what leblouh is, it is a traditional practice in rural parts of Mauritania (Western Africa) where young girls are force-fed.
This ancient, traditional practice is performed because in Mauritanian culture, heavier women are seen as more wealthy and desirable. Gaining weight increases the chances of marriage for girls, alleviating financial burden from poorer families.
I say girls, because it is young girls, extremely young girls. This practice is imposed upon young girls as early as five years of age, most being force-fed because of Mauritanian cultural beliefs that round women are more beautiful. This means that girls are ‘primed’ for early marriage at a young age. The quantity of consumption of foods by these young girls often make them sick, many consuming water, camel’s milk (or goat’s milk), pounded millet and couscous in excessive amounts.
If they become ill, girls are forced to eat their own vomit if they reject the practice or may even but subject to torture (Zayar) if they refuse to eat and drink.
The importance of bringing this subject to light is that leblouh can lead to health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and blood pressure issues.
Some adult women go to dangerous lengths in order to gain weight, some taking prescription drugs and animal hormones which which can have fatal complications.
Although underage marriage is not an exclusive practice in some parts of Africa. Child marriage cases have been widely reported in areas such as India, Yemen and Bangladesh. However, Leblouh is also a cultural practice and despite the health implications, Western beliefs and opposing values must also be culturally sensitive.
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