Recently, there have been lots of stories flying all over social media about acclaimed madams who mistreat their maids. I saw this while growing up. There was this particular madam living in a fine house not far away from our own face me, I face you.
She brought this girl about 7 from the village. I didn't know much at the time but I remember Chisom, her name. Chisom and I meet at the stream as early as 5am in the morning. I woke up that early to do house chores and prepare early for school. But Chisom, she fetched water to fill two big drums and bath her nieces, her aunt's two children and to prepare food for the family. A seven years old child.
Not only did Chisom do all these, Chisom also hawked during the day when other children were in school. She hawked fruits. Few minutes before three O'clock, She returns to go pick the children in school, once they are all home, she prepares their food and wash their school uniform. Chisom is just 3 years older than the first of the two children.
Need I forget, Chisom was severly beaten for numerous crimes she committed or not. Chisom wore tattered clothes, at a time my mom gave her some of my used clothes. Her aunt came and fought my mom telling her to mind her business. Chisom was beaten particularly this time for "reporting" her aunt that she didn't buy her clothes...
Chisom was eventually sent back to her mom somehow. I didn't get the full gist then but I remember a woman, probably Chisom's mom who had a fight with the aunt and took Chisom away. Since then, I haven't seen Chisom.
But my point really is, why do Nigerian madams find it difficult to give enough care and attention to the child maid? Most times, these madams promise the family of these child-maids to send them to school and give them a better life that the village couldn't offer. They promise to care for the child. But as soon as they arrive Oshodi or Ojodu-berger, those promises vanish. And these madams become monstrous beasts in gowns and Mary Kay. They don't send these children to school, they don't buy them clothes, they don't feed them properly. Asking them not to eat meat, fish or egg is ridiculous. They don't even allow them communicate with their family privately because of the fear of them telling their family the truth. They isolate these child-maids when they go out. Somehow you will, you will realize the difference among the children of the madams and the maid just judging by the outlook.
And the men, the husbands of these madams overlook the child abuse and inhumane behaviours exhibited by their wives. They turn deaf ears and blind eyes to the wickedness perpetrated on these child-maids. Sometimes, these men sexually abuse these defenceless and powerless children. Even if the madam knows, she beats the child on top and claim she is "seducing" her husband. She claims the maid has an ogbanje spirit...
Haba Madam...
Fear God! Fear the future! Your children will grow up too. Are you not afraid?
That that child you "kill" with house chores might beat your children and abuse them in your absence
That that child you "dress" in rags might steal your things because you deprive them of little sweetness.
That that child you "refuse" meat, fish and egg will steal your child's meat in your absence or steal your money to buy things outside
That that child you beat even after your husband " to sexually abuse" her will oneday retaliate by abusing your child too?
That child is human too. That child needs care like your child. That child needs clothes like your child. That child needs love and attention.
Stop the cruelty Nigerian madams. Stop it please!
Have the fear of tomorrow when you may need help from anybody...
Even the "house girl/boy"!
