Bride Price

By DESIRE MAPALA

In my country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, a bride is seen as merchandise or an object.

That’s because a suitor typically pays dowry to his future in-laws: cash and goods, such as clothes for the bride’s parents, cows, goats, beverages, blankets, kitchen utensils, refrigerators, radios, and televisions.

Some people call it a “sale.” Read the rest of this entry →