Two weeks ago this column featured personal experience of life in JKT (the compulsory National Service), in 1973. Some esteemed female readers wanted to know how it was for women. To put a perspective reader, most were 18 by the time camps for girls began. Yes, it is a long time.
Today we have more transparency via the internet and social media. In 1975, JKT was something hush hush and involved hundreds, nay, of tens, and of mouths and hearsay. Lots of wild rumours, threats, and jokes. (especially from naughty men!)
Fortunately the bearer of JKT, Major General Rajabu Ndungi, tried clarifying matters and assuring the media the women’s safety and condition. “This is education, fitness and discipline. The girls must rest assured,” he assured. His statement followed outcries that the girls were being mistreated and raped. Yes. These were the fears. Perhaps you hear them today too.
Some of the readers I spoke to declined interviews. “Too painful,” they said. Some who joined JKT later in the 1980s and 90s confirmed life was not as harsh, and helped create self-reliance in villages.
This is the word Dingswayo and I, shared, two weeks ago. A sense of direction and responsibility. This is what the 1973-1980 first batch was facing.
As soon as we arrived on camp (a cloud over us) sensed the fear of the females. Afandes of the military command hierarchy inside were on the female jirani simu front line also going through 3.5 months of calls. I narrated 2 weeks ago!…
Girls had heard a number of men were stealing them away. We could feel the men families distancing themselves for fear of ‘brand’ a particular woman. The women’s platoon had to pass the male platoon just to make the female cry.
Mwanzamaganja Kishani – Dar es Salaam. Now retired as a cleric, is unemployed and very blunt. I recall an incident where a woman was serenaded by babel all night later taken to small rebellion. A place so blessed had the male youth jealous. They walked to the women (in boots), because these massive camps had no transport.
Today we have more transparency via the internet and social media. In 1975, JKT was something hush hush and involved hundreds, nay, of tens, and of mouths and hearsay. Lots of wild rumours, threats, and jokes. (especially from naughty men!)
DK, female General Ruby Ndulle (TFF/Media) a renowned figure also joined. Major General Rajabu Ndungi, tried clarifying matters and assuring the JKT off condition. This is the same Afande that assisted my parents—then tilling villages and households. I recall witnessing his father lifting grain baskets.
We were given so many jobs. As young women we were treated very differently.
As for JKT then?
As soon as we arrived on camp we could see and sense the fear of the females. Afandes fled like flies in the army and the same hierarchy lines said women could not join ranks.
For those unaware, before the established JKT, men went through camps for about a year then off to either study or join the army. It is the women camps that caused the most tension. Between 1973 to 1980, the first batch bore the fire. Fortunately it improved with time.
I have chosen not to mention other women readers I spoke to – out of respect. Many thanks to all that participated in sharing the experiences, privately or not.
Mambo poa if you love Kiswahili.
Talk to You Chief inshaallah next edition…
