News and Events => People news => Topic started by: Shana A on February 15, 2010, 07:17:34 AM Return to Full Version

Title: Shukria wants to be a man after 25 years of girl’s life
Post by: Shana A on February 15, 2010, 07:17:34 AM
Shukria wants to be a man after 25 years of girl's life

By WALTER MENYA Posted Sunday, February 14 2010 at 22:33

http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/862002/-/vqj44c/-/index.html (http://www.nation.co.ke/News/-/1056/862002/-/vqj44c/-/index.html)

At his birth 25 years ago, Shukria Abdi Issak had a genital abnormality known as undescended testicles or cryptorchidism – a condition in which the testes are missing or they may be felt as lumps in the groin. His parents in a state of panic, lack of information and scanty healthcare facilities, decided to 'turn' him into a girl. They feared they would ruin the marriage prospects of a healthy child if discovered and bring shame to the family.

'He' was dressed in female attire, including the hijab, a headscarf for Muslim women all his life. Shukria performed chores meant for the Garre woman, sat and was taught all a woman needs to know. As a strict Muslim adherent, Shukria was also not allowed to mingle freely with the boys though he confessed that he always wanted to join them in their games and chores.