Monique and the Mango Rains - Essay Example

She did this by saving lives and giving hopes to people in a place where giving birth was risky (Holloway 78, 2007). Kris majors on exemplifying the passion of changing the lives of women facing poverty and unhappy marriages. In this essay, the obstacles faced by Malian Minianka women in achieving higher status, and relating gendered inequality to anthropological concepts such as marriage, economy, and reproductive health issues are aptly discussed. Part 2; Gender Norms and Stratification in Mali In gender norms in Mali, the local culture in which Monique was brought up had strict guidelines that guided women on how to handle themselves.

For example, the society was against the idea of using birth control pills; thus, she had to this secretly. The issue of health inequality was the core factor that caused the obstacles experienced by women in this region. In gender stratification, it is established that it is responsible for the maternity-related deaths of 500 000 women annually. The mortality rate for women losing their lives during birth was about 1 in every 12 women. Kris writes on how the region has the highest maternal mortality rates and highest fertility in sub-Saharan Africa.

It is estimated that less than 6% of women in their fertility season used contraception, and women that suffered genital ablation was above 96% in their childhood. 1 in 5 children born die immaturely before they reach their 5th birthday. Part 3; Marriage Marriage in this region was not gender sensitive since women were limited in doing certain jobs and denied credit for their hard work in the society. For example, Monique failed to get support from her husband and was trapped in an arranged marriage.

They were forced to stay in a marriage despite the problems they encountered since annulment was not encouraged in marriages. Women that divorced their partners were snatched their children. The marriage system was gender insensitive since men were perceived in the society as low and had no value in the society. They were strained into marriages at an exceptionally tender age; hence, facing the challenges of giving birth. Part 4; Economy According to the Kris, the socio-political issues and instable economy was another factor that increased the obstacles women had to face in the society.

Women’s economy was low to extent that they could not access proper medical services. For example, Monique suffered from severe mouth pains and was unable to access apt treatment on her dental pains. Women received exceptionally low salary despite the amount of work they did in division of labor. For example, Monique worked incessantly by edifying the community on health issues, but was paid a low salary unfortunately (Holloway 11, 2007). Women in this region also lacked recognition despite the efforts they enacted to the society, and were also not given time rest.

There was the lack of running water, skilled and trained doctors, and lack of adequate medical equipments especially for emergencies. Part 5; Reproductive Health Issues The obstacle faced by Malian Minianka women is receiving quality and apt health care services to secure their health. The book recounts the story of a local health worker located at Nampossela in Mali. Women at this region faced the intricacy of accessing apt medication from the government and nongovernmental organizations. Kris shows how Monique offered health care services like prenatal consultations, health demonstrations freely (Holloway 78, 2007).

Others included; assisting pregnant ladies in giving birth, administering vaccinations, and solving minor health predicament she had the ability to treat (Holloway 2007, 8). Monique and the Mango Rains highlights a