Nyumba ntobhu (meaning "house without a man") is a traditional form of non-sexualsame-sex union amongKuria women of theMara Region ofTanzania andKenya ; the partnerships are formed between older, usually widowed women without male descendants and younger, childless women, known asmokamööna (daughters-in-law).[1][2] As part of the relationship, the youngermokamööna bears a child from an external male partner. The elder woman serves as a grandmother to the resulting child, thus securing her with an heir and ensuring the continuation of her lineage.[3][4]Nyumba ntobhu marriages, like traditional Kuira marriages, are secured through the payment of abride price in the form of cattle; in the case ofnyumba ntobhu relationships, the bride price is provided by the older woman to the family of the younger partner.[1]
Among the Kuira,nyumba ntobhu couples make up an estimated 10 to 15 percent of households.[5]
Nyumba ntobhu relationships have become increasingly common within recent years. Many younger Kuira women enter the relationships as a means of gaining increased agency in choosing their sexual partners and avoiding domestic abuse andfemale genital mutilation.[5][6]
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)This article about African culture is astub. You can help Wikipedia byexpanding it. |
