Home | Letters | ‘WOMEN ARE INSECURE’

‘WOMEN ARE INSECURE’

Font size: Decrease font Enlarge font

 Sir,

Allow me to voice out my concerns regarding the psychological opinion proffered by Ndo Mdlalose, a Clinical Psychologist, in reference to an article published in your publication dated June 6, 2017 titled: ‘Sex starved young bride kills herself’.


As a professional in the field of psychology and holding similar qualifications to those of Mdlalose, I was rather perturbed by the statements she made with regard to the young woman who committed suicide.
Firstly, Mdlalose audaciously states that ‘women are insecure’. I personally find this comment to be a huge generalisation and it was irresponsible for her to let slip such a statement in a national media forum. Needless to say, we live in a patriarchal society where women are perceived as the weaker sex and Mdlalose’s statement alluded to that discourse and further demanded the dignity of women. It is honestly beyond disappointing.


Mdlalose further states that ‘women go through so many stages like ovulation where they get excited and want to be made to feel like they are women’ and that ‘when you are in your 20s like the deceased, sex becomes exciting’.
Reading this I just wondered if this is a psychological opinion and whether women are made to ‘feel like women’ through sexual intercourse.


Again, such statements are not only very shallow but irresponsible as well. Mdlalose, this statement does come across as implying that women get validation from sex (which is NOT true) and there could be dire repercussions as a result of such statements! Women are going to be raped in the name of ‘validating/making them feel like women’ because a clinical psychologist said so.


Mdlalose, we sincerely appreciate the work that you have contributed to the growing field of psychology in Swaziland, however, we cannot overlook and tolerate the level of irresponsibility that is presented in your comments. Recognition does come with responsibility and complacency shall not be tolerated where such pertinent issues are concerned.


I personally request that you present the nation with psychological formulations that are objective, insightful and empirically based.
Please do not feel pressured to give opinions/responses immediately. It is okay to give yourself time to consult other professionals or academic literature on certain issues. It is not a sign of weakness but that of maturity and according the profession the dignity it ought to have.

Concerned clinical psychologist

Comments (0 posted):

Post your comment comment

Please enter the code you see in the image: