Otjiramwe Practice

 

Ova Herero otjiramue practice is a practice in the Ova Herero community where by a child from a brother and sister can get married and be involved in sexual activities

Commonly whispered belief that the otjiramue platform is for sexual activities and instead defends its objectives as making space available for advice, motivation and trust between the otjiramue where they can talk to each other about things they are unable to discuss with their own parents. It is through the practice of otjiramue that the youth were educated young girls and boys to abstain from sex and remain virgins up until they get married. As part of the otjiramue custom, elders help to choose partners for the young people who are of age and ready to get married because the older generation knows what is good for their children. A further motivation for this practice is of course the argument for keeping the wealth in the family. This practice was also introduced to retain family ties and relationships within the Ova Herero people.

Constant argument about this belief has made authorities question the impact of this practice on Herero women and girls. According to the Legal assistance in Namibia the  Namibian constitution does not give  guidance on this point , however it protects the practice of any culture , tradition or religion to an extent that it does not impinge on the rights of others. 

The constant conflict regarding the Otjiramue practice is a never ending conflict because everyone is entitled to their opinion, emancipation and colonialization, however I believe that in a world of established human rights no one is forced to practice it. However I strongly feel  that if you know and understand the aim of this practice , you will act in accordance with it. 

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