header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
May 1
1927: First major competition, second annual rodeo, at new Baker Ranch arena (later Saugus Speedway). Overflow crowd more than fills 18,000-seat arena. Entire SCV population was ~3,000 [story]
1927 Baker Ranch Rodeo


Commentary by Betty Arenson
| Friday, Feb 17, 2017

Her name is Maryam Adam. She lives in Kano, Nigeria, and is married to Mohammed Umar. All of that might sound normal to women in America; it is anything but.

Maryam married Mohammed when she was just 15 years old. She was his second wife, and she would be followed by wife No. 3, Jamola Idris, and No. 4, Aisha Samaila. Umar’s first wife, also a cousin, Mainuna Ahuaibu, married him at age 14 and gave birth the following year.

Umar has no education of any consequence and complains he cannot support his 17 living children on his haphazard bricklayer trade. He bemoans his situation: “I never knew it would be such a burden for me,” or so he tells an L.A. Times reporter.

The sensible mind would automatically move to the obvious: Stop getting married and make a conscious effort in preventing more babies.

That concept is not in Umar’s head.

“You can’t escape fate,” he said. “What will happen, will happen. It’s divine destiny. People are pushed by passion, just the natural urge, this instinct.”

The first two wives objected to the third wife and certainly the fourth one. Their despair was met with laughing it off as “‘typical’ female jealousy.”

In addition to Umar’s 17 living children, he helps support an 18th – a son from his third wife’s previous marriage. Her other four children were sent to live with an uncle.

The culture is to disallow girls from going to school. They do not question their men, and if not married at some young age, like 15, girls are considered spinsters.

This is a country with vast areas of high illiteracy, high infant mortalities, human beings living in mosquito-infested spaces with chronic hunger, and thus severe malnutrition leading to poor brain development, if they survive at all.

It’s unimaginable to think of two wives and 13 kids, hungry and sick, living in a “small, dark corridor with no ceiling,” breathing charcoal smoke-polluted air.  The latest resident is a 2-week-old baby.

The poverty continues on with no end in sight.

A number of women have recently commented to me, wondering what the women’s marches are all about, especially here in America, the most privileged place on earth. Yes, women included.

We’re told it’s about women’s rights and apparently not having enough of them, whatever that means in this day in age. I do not know of one woman who thinks she can’t strive for anything she wants because of her gender, including seeking equal pay for equal job performance.

A leading theme of the marches is the “right” to have an abortion, and that means a demand for abortion anytime and for any reason – under the umbrella of “it’s my right to control my body.”

There is an irony in the strident and raucous demand from women who exact that they have control over their own bodies. If that end game, i.e. “control,” is so prominent to them, then why are so many women finding themselves with unwanted pregnancies?

Irrespective on one’s views on abortion, the number of unintended pregnancies for women using birth control that failed even though they used methods consistently and correctly is small. The Guttmacher Institute puts that sect at 5 percent. The same goes for pregnancies as a result of incest or rape, which the Guttmacher places at 1 percent.

Social media provides an ease of communication that allows these marches to take place in cities around the world.

I can think of four wives in Kano, Nigeria, who would welcome these marching women on their territory where women truly have no rights.

 

Betty Arenson is a Valencia resident who believes in the Constitution in its entirety and that laws should be upheld and apply to everyone equally.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

4 Comments

  1. Gary says:

    Betty,

    I kind of find myself agreeing with you here. In my past culture (LDS) women were treated and bargained for like chattel, and often had tremendously large families in poverty. No choices. Do as you’re told. Man leads the woman, and “if I want more wives, so what?”

    Education, public action, public outrage, women’s rights, and government intervention all helped move the dial on that one and the practice ended in the early 1900’s.

    We are blessed here, Betty. And part of that blessing stems from all the women who’ve marched over the decades and now, centuries.

    We may not be able to help the Nigerians. Lord knows, we don’t need another war, right? But we can help here, and stand firm for women’ rights resolutely. Good that we have them. Let’s hope that we keep them.

    – Gary

  2. Denny NNWofLA says:

    Your party’s goal of eliminating women’s services such as Planned Parenthood cause the effect you mentioned at the first part of this non-sequitur.

  3. mellie says:

    I hate to correct a person who is so in line with what’s right and what I know to be true, but the phrase is “…in this day AND age”, not “in age”.

  4. Stella Perez says:

    Betty,
    Truly where to begin? Has the thought ever entered your small provincial mind that those of us who choose to walk do so for the many who are not able to?

    You mention abortion as a running theme of the Women’s March and conveniently omit the fact that the GOP has for decades has run on platforms that call for repealing ROE vs WADE, defunding Planned Parenthood, denying the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, and failing to support rate increases in the hourly minimum wage. All of these issues and so many more affect all women regardless of age, race or ethnicity.

    Of course women in the US have it easier than some women worldwide, but that “exception” applies predominately to white women, and NOT to women of color and not to single working mothers.

    FYI, Planned Parenthood is the largest provider of reproductive health services in the US, serving approx. five million women, men and adolescents. Of those served, 80% have incomes at or far below the federal poverty level. Services provided include breast exams, prenatal care, Pap smears and research. ONLY 3% of their services is to provide abortions. Yet, defunding Planned Parenthood is the focus of this administration and the GOP. Do you plan on telling us where the millions who are currently served though Planned Parenthood are supposed to turn to if the nonprofit agency is defended? Of course not, because the purpose in defunding it is to punish women for getting pregnant. Never mind that 34% of Planned Parenthood services goes to contraception and preventing unwanted pregnancies.

    As to the gender pay gap, it affects women of all ages, races and education levels and women face this gap in nearly every occupation. In the US, women working full time are paid 80% of what a man is paid. Again the pay gap is far worse for women of color and working mothers.

    According to the US Census Bureau, the earnings ratio has not had a significant change since 2007, and this wage gap will not close until the year 2152. Although education may help to increase earnings, it is not effective against the GENDER PAY GAP, because at every level of academic achievement, a women’s median earnings are LESS than a men’s median earnings. Even you must acknowledge that earnings are affected by race and ethnicity as well as gender. Or do you not deal with facts either?

    Finally, sexual violence against women. 1 in 5 or 20% of all college aged women will be sexually assaulted while only 4% of men will be. Sexual assault/violence against women on US college campuses is rampant; 11.2% of all students will experience some form of sexual assault. This places women ages 18-24 at an elevated risk that is simply unacceptable. In fact, only 5% percent of all assault cases ever get reported making it the most under reported crime.

    So yes Betty, I marched. And yes, everyday I am grateful to have been born and live in the US and yes, I am a college educated woman of color, a granddaughter of immigrants, a wife, mother and a proud #NastyWoman. Yes, I marched and will do so again. For my rights, my daughter’s and for all those who could not. The only question left is why didn’t you?

    #whyimarch

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Imagine a day where barriers dissolve and possibilities unfold, a day dedicated to celebrating diversity and fostering inclusivity.
Monday, Apr 29, 2024
At the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting this week, we reviewed the Chief Executive Officer's proposed $45.4 billion budget for the next fiscal year.
Thursday, Apr 25, 2024
Spring heralds a time of renewal and rejuvenation, not just in the natural world, but within our homes and lives as well.
Tuesday, Apr 23, 2024
Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued a statement in support of the Los Angeles County Chief Executive Officer’s presentation of a $45.4 billion budget for the forthcoming 2024-25 fiscal year.
Monday, Apr 22, 2024
Recently I had the opportunity, along with spcaLA President Madeline Bernstein and Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA President Nikole Bresciani, to meet with NBC 4 reporter Kathy Vara to discuss the current challenges facing animal sheltering organizations.
Monday, Apr 22, 2024
As city manager for 12 years now and a longtime resident of Santa Clarita, I am always proud to see how our community continues to grow.

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
The cheers will be heard blocks away later this month as more than 11,000 graduating students cross the stage in front of California State University, Northridge’s iconic University Library as CSUN celebrates its 2024 commencement.
CSUN to Celebrate the Class of 2024 with Series of Ceremonies
Thanks to the community's support, E.C. Loomis Insurance Associates has officially awarded a $10,000 donation to The American Cancer Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer.
The American Cancer Society Awarded $10,000
Imagine a day where barriers dissolve and possibilities unfold, a day dedicated to celebrating diversity and fostering inclusivity.
Cameron Smyth:  Free To Be Me at West Creek Park
The final Business Property Statement deadline is approaching fast, with payments need by May 7 to avoid penalties. 
May 7: Assessor Reminds Businesses as Last BPP Deadline Nears
Last Friday SCVEDC teamed up with the city of Santa Clarita, College of the Canyons, L.A. County's America's Job Center of California, and the Chamber of Commerce to host their 4th valley-wide job fair. 
Fourth SCV Jobfair Draws Biggest Crowd Yet
The Santa Clarita Public Library is excited to announce its upcoming celebration in honor of Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros on Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library Branch.
May 4: Celebrate Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros at the Santa Clarita Public Library
1927: First major competition, second annual rodeo, at new Baker Ranch arena (later Saugus Speedway). Overflow crowd more than fills 18,000-seat arena. Entire SCV population was ~3,000 [story]
1927 Baker Ranch Rodeo
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo has announced the introduction of AB 2863, a bill aimed at protecting consumers and putting more money back in people’s pockets by simplifying the cancellation process for subscription services.
Schiavo Introduces Click to Cancel Bill to Protect Consumers
City of Santa Clarita residents can get low-cost spay/neuter services for your pets every Monday at the mobile clinic located in the parking lot of the Newhall Community Center.
Low Cost Spay/Neuter Mobile Clinic at Newhall Community Center
The Vasquez Rocks Natural Area invites you to an evening around the campfire at the Vasquez Rocks Interpretive Center. Live music, sing-alongs, animal meet and greets, storytelling, crafts, activities, show + tell tables, s'mores and more.
May-October Fireside Nights at Vasquez Rocks
It's time to kick up your heels and head on over to Gilchrist Farm for the Hoedown for Hope event Saturday, June 22, 6-10 p.m.
June 22: Howdown for Hope at Gilchrist Farm
A relic of Saint Jude has left Italy for the first time on an extended tour of the United States. Treasures of the Church, an evangelization ministry of the Catholic church, will present the Tour of the Relic of St. Jude the Apostle. The relic of St. Jude will be hosted Monday, May 6 at Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church.
May 6: Catholic Relic of St. Jude Makes Stop at St. Kateri
College of the Canyons film instructor Bavand Karim will attend Marche du Film, one of the largest film markets in the world, at the Cannes Film Festival in May to promote the launch of a new film slate by CINE & Lost Winds Entertainment.
COC Film Instructor to Attend Marche du Film at Cannes Film Festival
Santa Clarita’s opera company, Mission Opera has been selected to present ‘The Merry Widow: Madonna’ as part of the OPERA America National Conference and World Opera Forum, being held in Los Angeles in early June.
June 6-8: Mission Opera Performances of ‘The Merry Widow: Madonna’
Given the ongoing uncertain situation in the Red Sea and surrounding area and following extensive consultation with global security experts and government authorities, Princess Cruises, which is headquartered in Valencia, is revising the itineraries for its two 2025 World Cruises, which will no longer visit the Middle East or Asia, and now instead, will offer new port stops in Africa and Europe.
Princess Cruises Reroutes Global Voyages Due to Middle East Uncertainty
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo will host an upcoming Youth and Family Festival, a day packed with fun, learning and community engagement. This event is free to all and will bel held on Saturday, May 4 from noon to 4 p.m. at the College of the Canyons
May 4: Schiavo to Host Youth, Family Festival
1973 - Watergate figure H.R. "Bob" Haldeman, a former CalArts board member, resigns from Nixon White House [link]
Haldeman
The 97th annual commencement ceremony of The Master’s University will be taking place on campus Friday, May 3, at 7 p.m.
May 3: Livestream 2024 TMU Commencement
Three seats on the Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees, which oversees College of the Canyons, will be up for election in November 2024.
COC Hosting Info Sessions for Prospective Board Candidates
The second and final day of the Golden State Athletic Conference Track and Field Championships gave The Master's University men's team their second championship in a row, while the women finished second.
TMU Men’s Track Brings Home GSAC Title, Women Finish Second
Join the Santa Clarita Artists Association at Barnes and Noble Valencia May 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., for its SCAA monthly meeting, featuring Rex Kochel.
May 20: SCAA to Feature Artist Rex Kochel
The city of Santa Clarita has released a list of arts-related events happening in the Santa Clarita Valley.
Santa Clarita Announces Newest Exhibits, Calls for Artworks
The Santa Clarita Artists Association’s Gallery is showcasing a new exhibit called, "Faces," from May 3 to June 2.
SCAA Announces New Exhibit ‘Faces’
At the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors meeting this week, we reviewed the Chief Executive Officer's proposed $45.4 billion budget for the next fiscal year.
Kathryn Barger | Focusing on Mental Health
SCVNews.com