The story of Mariam Nabatanzi is amazing and raises some interesting questions about marriage at a very young age, parenthood and the problems faced by many women in families. Here are some observations and opinions:
Mariam Nabatanzi, a 40-year-old Ugandan woman, is known for giving birth to 44 children. Despite these challenges, Mariam Nabatanzi remains a strong and capable mother, working tirelessly to provide for her children. Her ex-husband, who was the father of all 38 children, is no longer around to support the family. She has 38 living children and faces significant challenges in providing for her family as a single parent.
Mariam’s story was uncovered by documentary filmmaker Kassim Kayira, a former BBC journalist, who interviewed her and shared photos and videos on Facebook and YouTube. It is important to recognize the seriousness of this problem and work to prevent child marriage and protect the rights of young girls.
According to Kassim, Mariam was given in marriage by her family at the age of 13, and her husband allegedly abused her from the beginning. While this is a common story for child brides in East Africa, the family situation that followed is unique and shocking.
In less than three decades, Mariam gave birth to 44 children, six of whom did not survive. She gave birth to all these children in her own home. All the children, except the youngest, were born vaginally and without the use of painkillers. It is not known why exactly the youngest, still an infant, was born by caesarean section.
The eldest child is 24 years old. Gender of children: 10 girls and 28 boys. The three groups are twins. Three sets of quadruplets. Four triplets. Eight are single births.
According to Mariam, she went to the doctor about her tumultuous and unusual fertility but was told that nothing could be done to change the situation.
Mariam’s husband, who is the father of all her children, apparently abandoned the family after the birth of their last child. In an interview with Kassim, Mariam says that this should be a crime and that leaving children without parental love is something they will never be able to survive. She advises men to share responsibilities rather than abandon women.
A crowdfunding page has been set up for Mariam by Karo Omu, a Ugandan who heard her story and was moved to help. The goal is Sh28.8 million, which will then be delivered to Mariam to help ensure basic essentials and healthcare are available and that the family may even have some opportunity to make their own money, such as by starting a business.
Mariam has been labeled the most fertile mother in Uganda. Now, some are wondering how she stacks up in history. According to Guinness World Records, Mariam still has a couple dozen pregnancies to go to take the title of most prolific mom. It seems a Russian lady, named Mrs. Vassilyeva, from the 1700s holds the record with 69 births.
Can you imagine giving birth this many times and having this many mouths to feed alone? If this story has resonated with you, please do not hesitate to share your thoughts and questions with us. We appreciate your support in spreading the word to your friends and family.
