Blossims of the savannah

In Nasila, men (like Simiren) are expected to be polygamous, but women can only be monogamous. Maa women hold no right even over their own bodies, they are circumcised involuntarily, and they live in fear of sexual assault. As careful readers, we must note that the issue of gender inequality is not unique to the Maa people. Nearly one in five women in the United States report being survivors of sexual assault during their lifetime.

The role of women as homemakers is not inherently less honorable than, say, a career in business. In fact, domestic activities are essential to the preservation of human life. The issue is that women are not given the freedom to choose how to live. We see this when Taiyo and Resian resist circumcision and when they try to pursue education. Both acts are understood as transgressions which violate the norms for Maa women, and result in punishment.