In many African cultures, the preference for male children, especially as firstborns, has traditionally been strong. Sons have often been valued for carrying on the family name, inheriting property, and performing cultural rites.
However, recent years have seen a gradual shift, with increasing recognition and appreciation for firstborn girls in various communities across the continent.
In many societies, girls are regarded as naturally nurturing and responsible, often expected to take on care-giving roles within the family. This is particularly evident when families face hardship or loss.
”When we lost our mother, our youngest sibling was barely a year old. Among the six children, our eldest was a girl who sacrificed her education to take on the responsibility of caring for us, cooking, nurturing, and managing the household,’’ Niwagaba recalls.
”Because of her dedication, our father chose not to bring another woman into the home. When he eventually remarried, our stepmother lived in a separate house nearby so that our father could keep a close watch on us,” he added.
According to Claire Twinamasiko, beyond care-giving during childhood, daughters are also widely seen as more likely to care for ageing parents.
“In many communities, daughters-in-law are often known to mistreat their in-laws. Having a daughter as the firstborn ensures that an ailing or elderly parent has someone reliable to step in and provide care,” Twinamasiko noted.
For some ethnic groups, the birth of a firstborn girl is even considered a blessing and a source of economic benefit. Among the Banyankole and Bakiga, for instance, when a daughter marries, her family often receives gifts such as cows and money, which contribute to the household’s wealth.
It is important to recognize, however, that these attitudes vary widely across Africa’s diverse cultures and families. Many parents value sons and daughters equally and do not hold a strong preference for one gender over the other.
Ultimately, whether a family prefers a boy or a girl as their firstborn depends on a complex mix of cultural traditions, economic considerations, and social dynamics reflecting the rich diversity of African societies today.
