My Stolen Childhood: Understanding the trokosi system - BBC Africa Eye Documentary

Thousands of women across West Africa have been enslaved by a centuries old practice called “trokosi”. Girls are forced to live and work with priests in religious shrines, for the rest of their lives, to “pay” for the sins of family members. Although the practice has officially been banned in Ghana, it’s still happening there and in other parts of West Africa but on a smaller scale.
Twenty years after she was freed from this practice, Brigitte Sossou Perenyi goes on a journey to understand what trokosi really is and why her family gave her away.
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[@BBCAfrica]

For full subtitles, please make sure you have subtitles/CC turned on in the video settings. Thanks for watching!

[@khunopie9159]

Thanks Obama

[@filipcrispinossd]

BBC News Africa lll

[@softmusic86]

Mast Dany You are why,with that filthy cursing...Goodness

[@softmusic86]

That father...yep,I will blame you....🤔He didn't check to see how the education was going?

[@cindyronnbeck5835]

BBC News Africa ..

[@TriaMaxwell]

"Why is this girl here?" "Her uncle committed adultery" Then make HIM work at the temple.

[@luryizily7596]

Exactly but it's the dumb tradition where the girls (who are children's damn!) have to be sacrificed

[@ShadeMarie1993]

@@YAHWO1 you are an idiot. This is showing one negative practice, it is not saying Africa is bad or all of africa is like this.

[@PikaPluff]

but its a tradition! no white/asian country does this

[@PikaPluff]

well that's still part of a group of people who "practise it". in the end, the government still hasn't put an end to this because they are poor and corrupt. the change must be in the people,

[@IshtarQueen]

+PikaPluff You would be amazed what western countries do to keep countries from evolving naturally - in their own speed and ways. HOW THE WEST is using wars, capitalism and oppression to suppress countries and deprive them of any culture not being like the capitalist west.

[@dr.apollo4226]

Props to the guy who adopted her. Even after taking her to the US, he encouraged her to learn more about her family in Ghana. He is a very selfless man.

[@ransomplat]

And when her friend said IAM THAT I AM wow that blew me off she Said the name of God..

[@thomasneal7694]

Dr. Apollo euro-guilt, relative, possible, lesser of two evils.

[@magatamaagitsune5635]

@@ransomplat yeah that caught me off guard too, but I think she just meant that she wants to reclaim her title and be a Independent person

[@lifeonleo1074]

That Guy that adopted her is amazing, God bless him and anyone connected to him for ever and ever.

[@magatamaagitsune5635]

@Yaa Asantewa I mean you're half right, but if they took her back to her family they definitely would've punished her for escaping. Plus, wouldn't you want to be educated in America?

[@kenyasmall8041]

The hardest part to watch is the men not being held accountable for their own transgressions.

[@blackamericanlesbianprofes4357]

I agree with your comment and I have just made a similar comment, Kenya Small.

[@michellerenee92580]

I agree

[@MsJackson3015]

I agree. The women are doing time for the men who have committed adultery and they get used as sex slaves by the priest. It’s a never ending cycle of abused women.

[@edenhaile6356]

Like always in Africa, women are contributing also to this culture unfortunately.

[@melodiclogic9904]

saint of jesus Christ this isn’t really the time for that is it? Let’s just focus on reporting and helping the poor girls paying for their male families crimes

[@91prettyflower]

Her father reaction to her bringing it up he got angry .. cause he was guilty .. he didn’t want to speak on it bc she was never supposed to return to confront the family’s wrong doing unto her .. her adoptive father was her blessing ❤️

[@kaymichal]

Absolutely.

[@ajemroberts3903]

Right! It almost made me feel like he knew or eventually found out but who knows

[@tifipaul5686]

Yep. I’ve visited Togo. Many believe heavily in Voudoun (what Americans call voodoo). Many practice voodoun in conjunction with Christianity or Islam. They invited my group into the room where they worshiped, but I remained outside.

[@evelyncrouch1273]

I agree her father was the demon'tha cause her problems. African men,must given account for the sins against their own people.. That uncle was possibly a priest or elder .After seeing his brothers child plan to use and abuse her. They would gladly supply new crops of virgins from for future use.

[@tifipaul5686]

The Trokosi system is linked to fetish and deities just like the practice of voodoun. Both are linked to what many called “traditional African spirituality. There are many similarities between the Trikosi and voodoun

[@williammuya7558]

The guy that went to Ghana to adopt her deserves 'special blessing' ( couldn't think of a better way to describe it). A good example to emulate. Well done sir. God bless you where ever you are.

[@luxuryconsignment8340]

William Muya thank God for him. But I’m suspicious of people like these sometimes too. She could have been adopted for a lot of other reasons. I thank God for her story!

[@williammuya7558]

@@luxuryconsignment8340 Yes it could have gone that way and worse still not made it to the media for us to see. I am very much aware of that side of things. It's a bit more like when people leave their countries in search of greener pastures only to under great suffering in foreign places. At least her story was a success. I am happy for her.

[@blackaiya2002]

When the white man rescued her from the shrine why didn't he immediately return her to her family ? Why did he run off with her when her family was right there? And now to see Africans in the comments here praising this guy is disgusting.

[@jdm3762]

@@blackaiya2002 No, what you're saying is what's disgusting! Return her to the family that gave her away in the first place? Crazy! The adoptive father was kind and helped her trace her family when she was older. You probably just hate white people but in this scenario, your anger is quite misguided.

[@blackaiya2002]

@@jdm3762 Sis, do you think that it's Right that a random white men can come into Africa interfere in African peoples personal affairs and family issues as well as being the voice of authority in Africa? With all pure wickedness that whites do in their countries do you think any Black African can go there and rescue/kidnap white children

[@xajae_ama]

In my opinion her parents knew exactly where she was going. They’re denying responsibility to avoid accountability.

[@herbertwhite8079]

To avoid culture shaming by the European camera crew

[@jubernardi23]

@@herbertwhite8079 Stop with this bullsit! They don’t respect the children lives, if were not because of white people this girl never will have a chance. Shame of your and they ignorance.

[@neph3le]

@@herbertwhite8079 not all cultures are respectable. we shouldn’t accept everything and anything under the name of culture, they can be extremely harming and damaging.

[@sofiashshsn83]

@@herbertwhite8079 is that a joke

[@dietlindvonhohenwald448]

Of course. It’s just sex slavery.

[@mildlycurious2514]

“Sometimes your past is worth getting back to; not to hold you back, but to strengthen your future.” I felt that!!

[@carolinekpaduwa9814]

AnyoneBut El Cheeto McTweeto 2020 This is such a powerful honest statement!!

[@thediaryofaneasymommylife4046]

Closure sets one free

[@blessedyes3902]

Amen!

[@anonymous-cx7ng]

No

[@nicolarollinson4381]

Me too. A fresh perspective

[@ellaeadig263]

Bless her adoptive father! Not only did he ensure her safety and raise her well, he encouraged her to reconnect with her birth family. That's a great dad.

[@Judging_Politics_Network]

Perenyi was God sent.

[@Judging_Politics_Network]

He saved a life.

[@marcwells03]

@@Judging_Politics_Networkmaybe your sky daddy should have stopped her from being a slave?

[@naturalista74]

This is yet another example of how females aren’t always valued on a global scale. Our lives should be valued too.

[@jakakraigher4389]

arent valued by the BLACK MAN not the WHITE MAN

[@gladitsnotme]

You're so right Paulette. Every single nation on Earth has mistreated women. It's time for a new day!

[@kylesavage4525]

@@gladitsnotme In the west it is the women who mistreat men though. It is part of human nature to take as much as it can apparently regardless of the gender.

[@dellawatson1669]

@@kylesavage4525 why lie... It's men like you that say these ridiculous things that are out here mistreating women and your guilt leads you to say dumb stuff like this and reveal who you truly are

[@digimonalvatrax2738]

@@gladitsnotme true we are MOSTLY not valued

[@Miz-B]

The fact that the father refuses to see what happened to his daughter, for fear of "more conflicts" breaks my heart most.

[@jeswazwadi7049]

he is guilty what do you think?

[@jennyoby2615]

Jeswaz Wadi yea, I think so too, he’s guilty

[@cpop6895]

Father's body language says he is guilty and tries unsuccessfully to conceal his guilt. Superstitious git!

[@watchgoose]

he said he looked for her yet he got pretty defensive about it all.

[@AN-gl3jx]

He could have called on the ancestors in her uncles house until the uncle confessed. Why did he not go to the authorities. Perhaps this sound primitive but he should take the uncle back with him and have his family beat him to death if he did not tell them where she was. Also keep in mind her father had affairs with 2 takosi and sacrifice had to be made. Probably raped the women but they can't speak out they are slaves

[@keyaunaferguson1]

The man who adopted her is a special human being ❤

[@evemason3456]

Yes, a very special human being and there are many more like him. Well done to him.

[@lauraarcher1730]

Riyyah D 🙄

[@annawierciszewska4105]

@Skimaskshooter no cause he helped her U DISCUSTING RACIST LOOSER! and let me guess you're gonna turn it around and call me racist right?

[@michaelheery6303]

@Riyyah D LEAVE ISRAEL ALONE PLZ.

[@pienke_1232]

He could have take her back home to her parents if he really wanted to help her and support her parents with a small amount if he felt that sorry for her

[@adazzsthoughts]

Incredible! Am Nigerian🇳🇬, grew up in Nigeria, and never heard of Trokosi until today......my goodness, the amazing things people go through and live with! The Internet is indeed opening our eyes to a lot of life's drama.

[@The_plug_for_everything]

Same with me. Just learned of this today too. I was in Ghana for 7 months last year and didn't hear about it. The internet is really teaching us a lot

[@nanapinkra]

It's practiced in the very remote part of the Volta region (eastern Ghana) and neighboring Togo (i assume their remote parts that shares a border with the Volta, as she mentioned in the video. I'm Ghanaian, born and raised in Accra, now living in the US, but I've never known anyone who's experienced this. This is very sad to know and I cried throughout this video. I have some friends who are ethnically from the Volta and I'll ask them about this beliefs to learn more about it.😢

[@isha5035]

I don’t understand why they have to sleep with the priest if they are virgins. Tbh it just seems like another excuse men make to unnecessarily sleep with girls, I just can’t rap my head around it.

[@feedhyungwonplease6087]

Liddle Queen trueee

[@ziggilypiggily]

Yes. Exactly. It may be a different country but its not so different than western religions (check the news), cults and cult like families where women, girls and probably many boys must be subservient in sexual ways. Its disguised as religious belief but its ALL child sex trafficking. People who make themselves appear powerful are monsters who convince others of their lies. It happens where there's lack of education but it also happens where education is used as a tool to abuse, to camouflage the abuse, to give the allusion of power. Strip away the titles of organizations and its just called abuse.

[@lp-rs1yq]

*wrap*

[@kadeenjohnson1404]

Break the curse Jesus

[@canegacha8329]

Liddle Queen a Virgin is a girl/boy who hasn’t had sex yet -_- So...I don’t Get you.

[@luxuryconsignment8340]

It’s so hurtful how her father was being so dismissive of her feelings like whatever happened doesn’t matter.

[@janet.oboutte1349]

Really it doesn't matter to the father Blacks sold Blacks and still going on

[@janendegwa5462]

@@janet.oboutte1349 you didn't get what he said he doesn't want to rock the boat of the extended family so he must be the under dog of his brother to take crap from him of which his kids will suffer in the process too

[@jmjenkins97]

@@janendegwa5462 nope I believe he was a willing participant

[@phyllisb-chronicles3358]

The father shows no remorse no empathy for all his own daughter went through.

[@MyBDUP]

She was supposed to be there for life.

[@41052]

MyBDUP I know right, which makes it ten times worse

[@bookmarksstories8549]

The chickens come home to roost with a TV crew and cameras lol

[@toko631]

He needs a slap lol 😜

[@deek64dk]

No doubt! And to make it even worse for her, prior to confronting her father on it, she mentions her memory of being a daddy's girl. That poor sweet child! He could care less.😒😖

[@earthknower]

She looks like she’s got so much peace within her and I’m so happy for her for that.

[@Dove.Love.]

Her America dad probably put her in therapy.

[@lucyblou]

I love when Africans get to tell their own stories, especially African women experiences. Reclaiming narratives that are best told by themselves versus contorted by someone else for their own interests and from their perspectives. I just dislike that women and girls always have to pay for a man’s moral crimes and actions. It shows that the spiritual beliefs were created in benefit for their comfort. That quote at the end though. “Sometimes your past is worth getting back to not to hold you back but to strengthen your future.” 💛

[@blackmore4]

@@Nooh-01 Who are "trash whores"?

[@sealindemere7400]

@@Nooh-01 disgusting commentary! Who are the trash whores? The innocent girls!?

[@melize7035]

Now all they care about is ''girldick'' and ridiculous pronouns.

[@RickRudesMustache]

And yet a man (a white man at that) who didn't even know her helped her out of that situation. Not all men act like this.

[@leslieredmond2051]

Darla Elliott mating

[@khandipwens1955]

She sure is a beautiful lady inside and out. God bless her much.

[@alexyegon2381]

She has a lot of strength and understanding. What a woman!

[@naycasanova9780]

I love that she still has her accent after being in America for so long 😍 she’s gorgeous

[@ashleyalexxis3442]

Nay Casanova yes she is ❤️❤️

[@mauricemckee5719]

Right on

[@wendyguity4168]

Isn't she?

[@kimberlylittle3385]

Her adopted dad did a outstanding job 🙀🗯❤😱🙏🏽💯

[@termitered]

@@missshannon9790 he adopted her as his child and turned her into a productive member of society with free will. Don't be a slave of your own mentality

[@princezulu5451]

When Christiana looked at the open space with her eyes filled with tears. You could feel her past coming back to her and her reliving it. She suffered so much as a child, they suffered so much as children.

[@doreendklutz6400]

This girl has a golden heart. To smile, amidst the torment of family betrayal is absolutely inspirational!

[@Stay_____Army_____Carat]

I am Ghanaian and I remember that growing up we were taught in school that TROKOSI was a bad cultural practice. I never thought it still existed until I saw this video. My problem then and now has always been... WHY MUST SOMEONE PAY FOR ANOTHER'S SINS? IF YOU'RE CAPABLE OF COMMITTING THAT SIN, SHOULDN'T YOU BE ABLE TO PAY.FOR THEM? WHY MUST SOME LITTLE INNOCENT GIRL PAY? THIS IS TOTAL *BS*

[@uzmahamin117]

Exactly you are right ... That's not fair even this rule is based on in justice ... Those who commited sin they must have to pay that for themselves ... May Allah guide those ...

[@asa0hcute310]

I remember being taught that too but I came to Europe at 10yrs

[@thiperl]

I think it all goes deeper- Spiritual stuff- I soul of an innocent child - Cant put it exactly into words, but all these questionable things we do as africans all in the name of ancestors!

[@owusufordjouraidoo269]

As a Ghanain. I see this practice to be nonsense. Sorry for your childhood loss.

[@afiabotchway8619]

@@mplsridah most Ghanaians don't practice trokosi in fact it is only in some few places in the volta region so you can't insult us all for the stupidity of some people

[@laurenteec]

Christiana is so very beautiful! Seeing her as a child made me tear up, what a beautiful child

[@dellawatson1669]

It was really sad seeing her there upset and missing her family 😢

[@janetpattison8474]

Her name is Bridgette. : )

[@ekitten02]

@@janetpattison8474 Her friend, near the end of the film, is Christiana who was also a child at the shrine.

[@bowie5434]

Her friend at the end who wanted to grow up to be a doctor but was punished for someone else’s sins. I felt her tears in my soul, I hope she has still been able to find happiness.

[@saiyalove957]

Her dad got defensive so quickly. I’m sorry but I don’t believe he’s telling the whole truth. I believe he knew maybe not at first but at some point he knew

[@Payxience]

I hated his response.

[@melmwa]

I totallo agree with you. He Lied

[@itsgenesis3293]

Exactly, he may have known all along from the beginning. Always blaming someone else.

[@Mpho503]

He knew

[@JessicaBROWN-sz7wj]

He took the blame, maybe he feels guilty for what happen to her. I think he regrets it. I'm happy that she forgives him and wants to move her forward instead of feeling hateful towards him

[@msteele5665]

This girl is just so beautiful. Inside and out.

[@anamiguel1298]

Sure she is😢❤️

[@steviesosa5617]

She's a woman

[@nah_.]

@@steviesosa5617 wow

[@kathrynvargas7795]

I would like to know her name and follow her journey.

[@digimonalvatrax2738]

@@steviesosa5617 same thing 🙄

[@ceciliafcf93]

Impressively only the women pay for the sins, that men commited

[@beekeeper2036]

Cecília Ferreira Unimpressively.

[@queenyaa5043]

Female children pay for the dibs of grown ass men. Sad

[@tryphineshumba8158]

impressively so indeed.....So sad

[@Starsparkle69YT]

😓

[@Mztrue87]

🙄 Typical...

[@charlessseruyange7268]

We need to do something about ourselves as Africans!! This is shameful.

[@gloriaf6971]

People like holding on to traditional ways even when they know it is nonsense. Sending a child to the shrine in no way could stop people in her family from becoming sick or dying. People in these villages with no medical care are bound to get sick and die. This whole belief system is a stupid lie.

[@srishtis.p7716]

I wish they'd talked about the relationship between Bridgitte and her adopted family. They raised her for 13 years, it seems to me that they gave her more love and put more effort into her life than her real dad bothered to.

[@herbertwhite8079]

Indoctrinated her….

[@jubernardi23]

@@herbertwhite8079 What idt?!

[@herbertwhite8079]

@@jubernardi23 what does idt mean?

[@minkahalstead8748]

@@herbertwhite8079 do you know what indoctrination is? I don't know how you arrived at that conclusion

[@jeo2343]

Very bitter pill to swallow this foolishness as to stop. God help them

[@심장보라색]

WHY IS A YOUNG GIRL GETTING PUNISH FOR WHAT HER UNCLE DID

[@lavenderflowers1075]

It's very sickening

[@Marika50]

It sounds like women in general get the worst side of everything

[@bluefoxthecutest2628]

@@mutanazublond4391 Do you like...have a source?

[@ekales_]

@@bluefoxthecutest2628 It is the truth

[@abdikaniabdirahmanakhie638]

@Eszra Falcontail The law is against humanity how can I suffer the what I have not done

[@laurettaelorm]

This happens in my father's house in the Volta Region as well.... my mom refused to raise us there. So most family members do not know my sister and I exist. We would've been part of this system. This is so sad. I can't stop crying

[@sipiwemutemwa4733]

Thank God for your mother, it's women like her that we need in this dark and gloomy world. Stay Blessed

[@bsperenyi]

Lauretta, I am very happy to know that you and your sister are not part of it. And please dont cry too much, there is hope. As it stand I cannot do work directly on the issue but I hope my story leads someone there. There is hope.

[@LilyGazou]

💔❤️

[@kitteekittee4010]

Lauretta Elorm im so sorry :( god bless your mom for not allowing you to go through this

[@missm661]

Mast Dany and so is America and other places with all their cults that have enslaved and abused women. They still exist today.

[@lavinamontoya8164]

Her father's explanation was so phony as it could get. He sent her away to that place and he was very well aware of where he was sending her and why. I don't think he ever thought he was going to see her again one day much less having to answer to her questions. He was defensive and claimed to have no responsibility for what happened to her. I am appalled. I would have asked him about that uncle that was supposed to give her an education. Worst of all, nobody has ever been hold accountable for anything. I don't know why this video was in my recommended list but now I have learned a new (for me at least) way men abuse women.

[@Ablaviga]

I’m a Togolese and I’ve never heard of such a thing called trokosi, and I lived in both Togo and Ghana most of my life. I had so much goosebumps watching this documentary. Wow!! Thank you bbc for this educational moment and the enlightenment of this 🙏🏾

[@BBCAfrica]

Thank you for watching, Edwige - and thanks to Brigitte for sharing her story.

[@raymondat.2259]

same here. As a togolese I'm shocked that I was never aware of this.

[@gertrude5813]

Raaahhhh I’m Ghanaian and I never knew anything like this happened in Ghana. I feel so sorry for any girl that has to go through this. It’s absolutely disgusting 😔

[@juanitax6906]

same

[@hashslingingslasher4214]

You’ve at least heard of it

[@rodiexe]

Same

[@fourthlove8745]

Not necessarily. Maybe it's because it's not super common.

[@jenniferbawuah4976]

I knew it existed but... never thought it was this serious 🤦🏽‍♀️💔💔

[@cyrus6604]

Her father had little to no remorse or Love for his daughter. Just excuses. Even if it wasn't his fault, his attitude towards her was nasty.

[@alyonaf1054]

Because he was lying and he knew if she persisted the truth would come out, because his story was a bs hanging on smoke.

[@dellawatson1669]

For real. I felt that animosity... Only guilty people behave like that imo... That's exactly how my abusive ex would behave when I used to waste my time wanting to discuss some horrible thing or another he had done to me 🙄

[@NiniBonita]

Common with most of our disconnected African fathers 🤦🏽‍♀️🇬🇲

[@Omar-kl3xp]

@@NiniBonita just say your country not all Africans are the same or have similar tradition ,in my country there is no such a thing like this .

[@ThroughBrookesEyes]

@@Omar-kl3xp she said most and you’re triggered? Lol. She didn’t say all.

[@MiaMia-rx9dw]

Omg when her brother was brushing the tears off of her face gave me chills. Such a sweet moment💜🙏

[@owliealim745]

This is an award winning worthy documentary....i completely lost it and started bawling when she cried on her mum's shoulders

[@fuckeries]

I'm at work. I started crying too!

[@lmatthie2036]

The part when her brother were comforting her really touch me.

[@roselolagne6642]

incredible

[@bsperenyi]

www.griersontrust.org/grierson-awards/the-grierson-awards/shortlist/ We have been shortlisted for an AWARD!! Owlie Alim you called it! lol

[@owliealim745]

brigitte Perenyi omg! I'm so happy for you....much love❤❤❤

[@colleenjumo4289]

This sounds like serving a prison sentence for a crime you did not commit.....what an evil world.

[@greattiger4772]

I have a feeling her father is lying, he knew everything, even her mom.

[@janet.oboutte1349]

Africa is know to sell their own kind Blacks sold Blacks for Slavery and still going on

[@StageMixes]

@@janet.oboutte1349 okay we get it. you're racist good job

[@randompuffy]

TheLyricsHaven Don’t blame everything to racism. It is true, and if you think otherwise, you’re just glorifying their nasty deeds.

[@tythomas2524]

Facts

[@beekeeper2036]

2_nu Ng’eno Why is she an “old fucking bitch” for making a factual statement about a part of Africa’s history and ongoing problem with slavery? There are more people enslaved in human bondage today than at any other point in human history.

[@Hillers62]

Bless Kenneth for saving this little girl's life...a true humanitarian...

[@Lonesome__Dove]

She isn't a stupid lady. She knows her family is lying.

[@emmru7073]

FR!

[@lightmanokolo4540]

I guess as much

[@mimee729]

it could be a lie, but the lie isn't too far fetched. I am not sure about other parts of Africa, but it is very common in west africa for parents in the villages to send their children to a better off relative in the city. so the kids end up working for these people (being a maid) in exchange for food, education, shelter etc.. but in most cases the children end up getting abused, some parents care but unfortunately others don't all in the name of money.

[@nicolecourtney8688]

Facts

[@muniratdooumar8994]

Exactly. They couldn't tell her the truth

[@kene9149]

It’s sad how she talked about being a daddy’s girl and how much she loved him.,.. just for him to show no empathy for what happened to her

[@ibromeo9682]

his uncle commits adultery and this lovely child paid it what a shame

[@aaa-pp]

Exactly, the uncle should have gone to the shrine. Africa has excuses to sexually abuse children.

[@ekales_]

@@aaa-pp Please don't generalise the entire continent, just say Togo or Ghana. Thank you

[@isabelladelaawudi6259]

@@aaa-pp , Do paedophiles have reasons to sexually abuse children? Don’t say Africans rather say humans. Trust me if it was your culture you’d do same.

[@ekales_]

@S E P That is what Ru by should have said. Instead of ignorantly saying "Africa"

[@dellawatson1669]

Crazy. I had no idea such awful practices even existed.

[@IreneBisassoHoemNetwork]

Big thanks to the adoptive family! Cultural context tells a lot about childhood experiences. In this case her rights as a child were grossly violated and big thanks to that adoptive father who intervined as an individual not waiting for the system to help her. Sometimes adults think they are human "beings" and children are human "becomings." I wonder if adults have such a tradition where an innocent adult is punished for crimes of another adult. I love traditions and preserving culture but not when it violates rights of others( especially the weak or minority).

[@jennh2096]

Yeah, some cultures and traditions need to be abolished completely. I don't care how long its been done, abuse is abuse and "culture" is never an excuse

[@mfululizowak9899]

I'm African and let's just say, if it wasn't for colonization, black women would still be suffering under "culture" and "traditions". Even stories my grandma tells me of practices followed 100yrs ago,scare me. It's the west world that saved many of us even though many a times we like to complain about other things they did.

[@SheenaShanice]

She is gorgeous! & this documentary has me in tears! *well done BBC..well done*

[@BBCAfrica]

Thank you so much - glad you enjoyed the film!

[@kimnyamu7201]

Yes she is. And what is done there is painful

[@fluffystarafina]

Mysogyny at its worse! Why aren't boys sent away? Or heres a crazy idea, how about anyone who commits a 'sin' takes responsibility for their own actions and sacrifices him/herself?

[@terenterenteren8301]

Twysted Systa That's what I thought, but hey.

[@laylonachatman4461]

Twysted Systa l agree that the person who sinned should be responsible

[@nikadavise-br9lx]

shhh no logic or common sense allowed anymore...........and as long as the penis carriers get away with all their crimes/sins that is all that matter right?(sarcasm......i will never understand why the women of the world don't unite and kill off 89% or more of all the males alive today and just start over only breeding with the most intelligent/healthy/human looking(dear dog what was that thing that kept wiping her face with his huge hands???) sperm donors. period.

[@ebonystone8890]

nikada vise ... I agree with everything you have stated.

[@hodgemoss]

Twysted Systa What a novel idea

[@lynnettedobbinify]

Why cant the MEN just be held accountable for their OWN mistakes not the younger, weaker and innocent?! Oh I forgot they need someone else to suffer, I mean cover up, I mean "atone" for their sin....my bad. 😒

[@Sapphiresenthiss]

Lynnette Dobbin And they wonder why so many raging feminists come to life all around the world...

[@sohanturtorial3856]

@@Sapphiresenthiss One thing u don't understand is that the world isn't a single place feminism may be needed in some place but it is not needed in others.

[@Sapphiresenthiss]

Shohan Tutorial I understand one thing and that thing is enough for me: we're all EQUALS. Men and women. And this is how it should be, no matter the place, and that mistreated women should fight for.

[@sohanturtorial3856]

@@Sapphiresenthiss Agreed

[@mxdtv3634]

Sounds like Christianity..

[@ms.murray5852]

Having a son is very important to African men and women. When the narrator said she was among five daughters (no sons), it started to make sense, to me. Her father had her Uncle take her as a sacrifice to the shrine in order for the father to gain a son. As the narrator said, when she returned the first time, in 2010, there was her youngest sibling, a brother she never met. That's why her father shut the whole talk down and was in a rush to say, "Blame me, if you want to blame someone". Daughters to some men are expendable, and used to get what they want.

[@franny5295]

Dang...👀.... if it "worked," what happens to the boy since she's no longer where she's supposed to be?

[@singleandwaitingdorcasforc6551]

Thank God for her adopted father. He is a honourable man.

[@Dj82]

Single and Waiting Dorcas For Christ Agreed

[@brendaajamu7152]

Yeah lol lisik lol lmak

[@keyannalee2432]

I love good people!

[@mogathers]

Watching this made me remember to count my blessings. What strong beautiful women they all are.

[@mogathers]

Rahmah Inam cool

[@monalisachitsama4831]

I have never felt so much bitterness like this. Bloody elders

[@bsperenyi]

MonaLisa, the elders you see in the doc do not believe in the human sacrifice aspect of the practice.

[@johnnydtw3509]

I think you are beautiful 😍😘

[@anitasnider8494]

This brought me to tears, how these little girls had to suffer for what someone else did. It's horrible to think that these men were never brought to justice for what they had done and that this still happens to girls today. I am happy and so proud of the women they are today, that no matter what was thrown at them they remained strong.

[@farisasmith7109]

I think the father knew exactly what happened to her. You don't just hand over your daughter because your brother says you need her. His defensiveness tells me he probably knew. She is a very forgiving person. I don't know if I could do that.

[@yeseniasmith982]

It's a different culture, many cultures have some really messed up beliefs. Sadly they still believe and practice many things till this day. My heart brakes for all the things that a light has not been shined on.

[@purselmer5931]

I think she believed him then b/c she wanted to. I'm sure in no time she realizes the truth: that her father knew all along.

[@thecollector5243]

@@yeseniasmith982 And I guess it helps maintain these "beliefs" if the one who pays, is the daughter.

[@nissi2780]

Yes, the father knew the whereabouts of her daughter for sure, remember the it was his side of the family that committed the adultery He knew, these African village men are smart in their own ways

[@purselmer5931]

@@nissi2780 "smart" is not the word I would have chosen to describe a father who could do this to his daughter. Far from it.

[@berylmorgan8482]

The father is a damn lier.. This young lady has a forgiving heart..if it was me I would & could not forgive him May The Most High Bless the man who negotiated her rescue & raised her..

[@bulletproofdiamondwinstar9470]

Now I really don't know why she left her loving adoptive dad to find them.

[@beekeeper2036]

Bulletproof Diamond WINSTAR She needed to do what was right for her in order to heal from this trauma.

[@patriciahawkins7337]

Amen

[@amykendall211]

I must admit I found her father to be rather cold towards her.

[@yousernameish]

The mother is also a damned liar.

[@Beautarie]

Im sorry you had to go through that baby girl. But dont spend your whole life thinking of what could have been etc. Im so happy you are speaking up about this. Yo are Godsent, you are special and you are very beautiful. You will be a voice for the voiceless and you will accomplish more than you could have ever imagined.

[@bsperenyi]

beautarie Thank you, I appreciate your kind words.

[@malyahmoore8790]

Beautarie God Bless! You gave the most positive and guiding words...

[@Peace3132_]

beautari

[@moniquefreeman3067]

beautarie Amen in USA its called molestation I been there but I refuse to relive nor give the accused power and it took years for me now I am a gay woman ..Who dont have the desire of a man was married for 9 years to a man and once my divorced I realized that I was holding on to pain even having sex with my husband was pain even tho he wasn't my sexual abuser my step dad was but my husband was my physical and mental and sexual at times abuser dont hold on to the pain let go and let God

[@Beautarie]

You are a survivor Monique!

[@elizabethagbon2420]

Her dad's reaction was detasteful and its obvious he knew exactly what happened and can't be bothered

[@beautifulbeyah5825]

I would have left and never looked back if my father reacted in the manner hers did.... He clearly is concealing his knowledge of the situation. His guilt is quite clear in his response!

[@AN-gl3jx]

Its their ingrained cultural 300 year old belief. We are still being indoctrinated today. The so called educated, enlightened, modern man and woman. Satan is powerful and we have turned from God

[@michaelheery6303]

MOB LYNCHINGS AND STONING SO COMMON IN AFRICA N KENYA.

[@dellawatson1669]

Same here. His reaction to her questions were cringe

[@n4eva256]

I assume she decided to just forgive him and life her life, as she is highly unlikely to get the answer she wanted.

[@willow9912]

@@AN-gl3jx f**k off with your Satan

[@ellplr]

Her father is full of shit. Men are in charge of their families in these countries. He should have refused to let his brother take his daughter. His brother cant do his own chores??!!! Bullshit. He didnt even hug his daughter. !!! Like he wasnt happy to see her. He didnt want to face the truth trying to brush it off. Sweep it under the rug. Im happy God protected her and blessed her with an adopted family. She grew into a strong beautiful woman. Amen

[@SiyandaLotus]

I agree. There was something off about her father

[@TriaMaxwell]

A daughter is just someone to sell as a sex slave to some cultures. Ever read the Bible?

[@jamierobinson8992]

U said all I wanted to say ,and the truth.Her father knew he was full of shit.

[@queenswaybaby1992]

Females are not valued in Africa

[@queenswaybaby1992]

That's why they are getting killed and prostituted in Europe and the middle east.

[@LovingAtlanta]

👍🎁💎@24:25 “Sometimes your past is worth getting back to, not to hold you back, but to strengthen your future.” 💞

[@bsperenyi]

Thank you LovingAtlanta I appreciate you watching.

[@SuperCpatton]

Launch you forward to your Purpose! God never wanted us to know Evil, Sickness, Poverty & Death! All of this Evil is a result of our Fallen State. God Never Ever wanted us in this state of being; Never wanted men & women over each other! God sent Jesus Christ to take the Sins of the Whole World onto himself to Liberate us from Sin & Death that reigns in our lives because we magnify evil & find it Entertaining! Desensitized by being entertained with Evil! So He Sent His Word conceived of a Virgin, Ministered for three and a half years. During that time, He taught and instructed those He called & Commissioned to Go Into All the World & Preach the Gospel - Good News! The Life He planned for us in the first place is Available and and all we need do is Choose God over Lucifer/Satan! Life is Eternal but when we enter eternity, we have the same opportunity to Choose God/Life/Light/Love/Protection or we choose evil, darkness, destruction, Hatred, Bigotry, Abuse of Money; Abuse of Power and those who choose Lucifer/Satan/Evil/Father of Lies; Abuse of Power & Money and if we choose him over God, God’s Wrath & Judgement of Him, Punishment designed for Lucifer/Satan/Devil and the one-third of angelic beings that was Cast out of Heaven will also be Cast into the Lake of Fire & Brimstone! And that place is so horrible words can’t describe it! And it will burn forever! Forever, none stop, the devil will not be running anything there, he will be getting and receiving God’s Full Wrath on his being! If people think this world is dark and evil, you do not want to go to Hell! When we die, when the Eternal Is made in the Image of God, take off this dirt body, which will go back to the dust, but we enter Eternity with or without God! God so Loved the World that He gave His only Begotten Son, He is the Word of God and Jesus PAID IN FULL the Cost of Sin & Death! He took our punishment for the Whole World but He must be received! If you Reject God’s Gift of Salvation, you are telling God the Exact same thing Lucifer and the Fallen Angels told Him: They were going to follow Satan, Evil, Death & Destruction / Totally and Completely tell God to His Face, you do not want your Eternal Freedom, you are willing to do your own thing! You leave God no choice because God does not lie and He created man to live forever just like Lucifer/Satan/Devil who is a raving stone-cold Maniac! He was the most beautiful! He was the best musician and He lead Worship in Heaven! His new place to live and never ever die is the place God created for Him! He is not God! Do not believe his lies! He is selling woof tickets! He will not even be running things in Hell! He will be being tortured throughout all Eternity! God did not send Jesus Christ to start another religion! He sent Jesus Christ to take back what satan took from Adam/Eve because they believed his lies, the Sinful DNA was passed on to all human kind! Through the Blood of Jesus Christ who Ascended from Heaven, entered a Virgin so He would not be in the bloodline of Adam & Eve, died on the Cross because the Penalty for Sin is Death, and the Blood of Animals could not & never will satisfy the death penalty for us! Jesus Christ stayed in the grave three days & three Nights! Early entering that early Sunday Morning, Jesus Christ Rose from the Dead! Seen of many! Ascended into Heaven and Placed His Blood on the Mercy Seat once and forever! All of us who are grateful to God for saving us from Eternal Pain/Suffering/Pitch Black Darkness like you can’t imagine, (Because where God is, there is light) No Water, Sulfur Smell, Choking Sensation, screams, falling, cursing,crying,alone, can’t take a break to get some water, lay down & rest! Do you all see this amazing World we live in, how God made the Ocean and it comes so far and goes back? How as hot as the sun is it does not consume us! God created the Heavens & Earth! Then God pick up some dirt, formed Man and there was no life Until God blew Himself/His Own Breath, His Own Being, God is spirit and they which Worship Him, must Worship Him in Spirit & in Truth! Adam had even the Tree of Life in the garden and he could have eaten the Fruit of Life! NO! Satan told Eve and Adam with her, God told you not to eat the TREE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF BOTH GOOD & EVIL because if yall do, you will be like God! SIDE BAR, they were already like God! So they trusted an untrusted source! Today, satan tells us, “there is no god! There is no hell”. and I often ask this question, “Did you ask to come here? Their response, “NO”! My response is, “But you find yourself here, right” They say, “Yes”! God is the Creator of all things! He took care of everything we would ever need! He LOVES US! This is why He came down from Heaven and paid the Penalty for our Debt/Death, took the Keys back from Lucifer and so every time the devil accuses us before God, God sees the Blood of Jesus on the Mercy Seat, and these words appear, “NOT GUILTY”! He Paid the Price! God sees us covered in the Blood of Jesus! When God Looks in His Invitations Book and follow-up Reminders, He is looking to find out if we responded to His Invite? Did We RSP Him, Did Jesus Write our name in the Book of Life! When they get to my name, God the Father, The Son and God the Holy Spirit say, oh, she has been washed in the Spotless Blood of the Lamb of God that God Provided for Himself! Nobody can fix this deep longing, the hole in your heart ❤️ that ruptured the heart of the First Man Adam! Only Jesus Christ, the LAST ADAM CAN FILL THE Hole that God had in ourselves until the first Adam Sinned! Scripture References: Genesis 1:25- until your hunger for God/Truth/Love is satisfied by this knowledge. Then go to St. John 1:1 In the Beginning was the WORD (Jesus Christ - the Savior of the Whole World, Messiah, Anointed one came down) Read until you are satisfied! Then go to Romans: Explains the Sin Nature in our DNA passed to us through ADAM! Life restored by Last Adam - Jesus Christ! Then go to Hebrews 10:5- Read until Satisfied! God’s Love Letter to Mankind! The Bible: Gods rules to this Game we call Life! God is God all by Himself! He will be God all by Himself! It is God that Provided Himself the Sacrifice! People, our children must not and cannot pay for anyone’s sins! When you do blood sacrifices, and Satanic Rituals, you are bringing a worse thing on this world! Religion is man’s search for God! Salvation - Is God’s Provision for Man’s Escape from the alienation from our Creator! The FOOL has said in his heart, “There is no God!”. This is God’s definition of a Fool! I Pray for you and how God will use the knowledge you have about this truly demonic activity & through the Wisdom God releases inside of you, many children & men will be freed! All of God’s children, you know what to do! The Church is the Body of Believers not the buildings nor the Idols made or conjured in the evil satanic world!

[@SuperCpatton]

The Believers in Sunny / Hot now California is in the house! God Bless you!

[@OladeleOlunike]

@@bsperenyi , I just watched online, your insightful, informative and instructive true-life docu-drama Trokosi. It was so heart-harrowing for me to learn such a dastardly culture exists and the law seems indifferent to clamp down on real perpetrators. I am awfully sorry that you experienced this. I am however delighted that you came out strong, moving on and letting others out in your own way. I commend the brilliant work you did through this project. I will be delighted to connect with you. Kind regards, Oladele Olunike,QP™ [e-mail]

[@bsperenyi]

Carolyn y. Patton Thank you for watching!

[@ViKee010]

Her friend Christiana didn’t look free. She looked as though she still felt bound by this place she still lived near. I feel there is a reason for that as she was past puberty while being held. Perhaps she has a child there still. God be with her heart. And yours too. I pray for full and complete healing for you both. 🤟🏼🤍

[@jeannettenemon3882]

My take on this is that when Christiana watched the old video footage of hereself, it brought back painful memories, and she was crying for her lost youth which will never be regained.

[@bhanupriyanayak7574]

His father got guts to say "whatever happened happened" 😖 They said they were unaware and she believed ...DISGUSTING

[@2degucitas]

I don't think she believed. She doubts.

[@dellawatson1669]

I know, what an awful and uncaring man... I don't think she believed though. There just comes a time when one has to just say ok then, because it's very apparent that they have their story and their sticking to it 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@sy_dianne5224]

And that he "looked" for her...I don't think that man ever got out of that village

[@julietndinda8728]

Damn he lied he knew all about it

[@Med_learn33]

This was the hardest part

[@curiosity7774]

Her family is lying to her. They knew exactly where she was going.

[@xajae_ama]

Agreed.

[@Mztrue87]

Yh their lying they just wanted no bad karma to fall on them. Selfish

[@sabreenamohr330]

Lying all the way.

[@sholaking5027]

How can you say that? You show no compassion. You are very similar to the uncle perpetrator. Did you not hear that her uncle liked for her but couldn't find her. And her account of her relationship with her father before he sent her away . I feel sorry for you

[@sabreenamohr330]

@@sholaking5027 ....." looked for her".... she was not kidnapped.... but given away. Plus it's a "culture thing" ..sooo...nope. But thanks for your commentary.

[@a.walters123]

Why not send the actual man who sinned to atone for his own sins? They send innocent young girls instead.

[@Hellchen317]

It is terrifying how people always find ways to rape children. They call it punishment, but only fulfill their own twisted needs.

[@Okwash1]

Sad.....Had me crying and i'm an African.

[@tjoya1974]

Right

[@i.bendigas6856]

Without intending to offend anyone - but this dilemma arises from the lunacy of worshipping pagan "gods".

[@ingenueblue8914]

@@i.bendigas6856 Worshipping any god is lunacy. And bad things can happen in any religion. Look at the catholic priest scandals.

[@Sealedabundance]

I remember her. Watching her and crying my eyes out. Glad she is good. Thank God yessss

[@browngirlafrica1793]

Note: The Uber driver says the trokosis are OK with the practice. He says his family is happy that their grandmother is paying for the family's sin. The elderly woman who has been brainwashed says she is "fine." BUT the young girls and freed women whose lives have been stolen from them say they are not happy, they missed their families and they shouldn't have been there. Isn't it typical patriarchy for men to speak for women instead of listening to them? To assume they are happy with whatever the men do to them? Obvious self-centredness and denial.

[@miserableyaks]

Also, her husband cheated on her

[@calforrai]

Some people and the trokosi probably believe they enjoy being a slave, they enjoy being mistreated. I like to abuse you and you liked being abused by me. Fantastic!

[@sjappiyah4071]

He said his GRANDMA was okay with the practice , he never said every girl was ok, nor did he himself personally approve of the practice

[@saividhyakannan]

@@calforrai There is a difference between accepting something and enjoying it. I doubt the old lady enjoyed it. She was probably brought up (culturally brainwashed) to think that sadly that was her burden to bear, that it was her sin that probably led to her circumstance

[@raindrops1942]

Women always have to take on the burdens of the men and their supposed sins...what a tragedy.

[@sylviasworld9397]

Rain drops TRUTH!!!!!

[@petsmart1000]

so true, I think it is absolute BS that the women and young girls have to suffer for the man's misdeeds, why not punish the man himself, for the wrong that he did??!! it's just maddening, how women are still seen as objects to satisfy men, so that the man don't have to do a thing, lift a finger, and just get what he wants, and all in the name of religion. just disgusting, and beyond wrong!!!!

[@ad6ra]

Everyone is equal. :p

[@cocopuffs3502]

I somehow think she may have been paying for her father's sin, not her uncles.

[@mungalowcrooningswithabian7831]

I won't be surprised. I don't believe à word coming out of his mouth. She's too forgiving. Hunt down the "uncle", let the truth come out and who ever needs to be behind bars, be put there!

[@essirenhier7489]

Indeed she paid for her father sins b’cse her father didn’t have money to do ceremony that God asked him to do to atone his sins, iniquity or crime so he choosed this girl instead

[@tythomas2524]

Bingo facts

[@magatamaagitsune5635]

@@mungalowcrooningswithabian7831 I think she knew he was lying

[@omoefeefetobore4448]

Yeess

[@MORENA0807]

Wonderful documentary. The Strength and Courage to finally confront your family about the truth. I know deep in your heart you knew they was lying. But like you said if you was mad at them you will not be there. Kudos to Christina! She’s free! Christiane Amanpour thank you for that report in 1997. It really opened the doors to freedom. This girls deserved them. I hope this culture continue illegal. Imagine how many girls in 2021 still getting separated from their parents to pay someone else crime. Bless to all.

[@isobelrobson2228]

so so proud of Brigitte, my mum worked with her on this film as associate producer and Brigitte is such a lovely, wonderful person. 😊😊😊 The animator is such a cool person as well. 😀

[@lisangelblack9070]

Isobel Robson Yes....she is beautiful...inside and outside....she seems to hold no bitterness.

[@isobelrobson2228]

+lisangel Black she is so strong and has a strong faith that helped her through the dark times 😊

[@Firstfruits288]

Your mother is so lucky to have such an awesome job.

[@aranyanifox4375]

Isobel Robson Just give your mum a huuuge hug from me and a warm greeting from Switzerland, ok? And if you see Brigitte again, tell her that an older, white, Swiss woman is thinking of her, sending her love and would be proud to have such a beautiful, intelligent and courageous daughter. :)

[@Nana_Gyamfuaa]

Wow Im a Ghanaian but I have never heard of the trokosi Wow things are happening oo Thank you bbc

[@BBCAfrica]

Thanks for watching!

[@justicejah7321]

The bible is not white man book. Is your history. De.28.68.

[@susuama3531]

Last time I heard of this was in junior high school and I'm in university now and I didn't know it still goes on😪

[@cheetahluv1834]

nana Gyamfuah same here, I have never heard of this tradition.

[@FahEza]

I taught I was the only one. Never heard of it or seen it in my life. I was born n raised in Ghana. It wasn't taught in my school either. This is so sad

[@seinyabakarr]

Her father is not telling the truth. He knows about it.

[@micahbenjamin]

He probably did it for money as fare as I'm consurne these man who do these thing and need to be line up and kill

[@gayathrichandran8303]

Haha don't understand?, he did the same mistake, had affairs with someone, so he sent his daughter away from them, bcoz he could not able to live without his wife, so daughter was the choice

[@sisis-qt4oc]

Sending much love to you, Christiana and all the women who are victims of this horrible culture. 😢❤️❤️

[@TheAuntieBa]

I’m old now and I still wonder: why I have never in my long life heard of a religious man who says something like, “God spoke to me and told me I must free a trakosi girl from slavery and send her home.” Or, “God told me I should replace a trakosi slave for a year, while she goes to school.” Somehow, old religious men are always told by their God to benefit themselves. This is a beautiful woman and a deeply meaningful story. Christiana struck me again and again as very like Mma Ramotswe as played by Jill Scott in The #1 Ladies’ Detective Agency of Botswana.

[@sarari782]

TheAuntieBa they call them gods but ur still right

[@nabousene4804]

i am a senegalese man when i see that vidéo i Feel shame we have no enough respect and love for children and women i cried à lot

[@mslittle9157]

The world needs more men like you!

[@NoLuvNdezeInnaNetStreetz]

❤🤞🏽 awww

[@ColourfulSoulsArt]

Thankfully this is a minority of people who support and/or practice this, but it's awful that anyone has to go through it. You are not at fault, and needent feel shame, this similarly unfortunately happens in all countries and cultures around the world. This amazing woman is bringing it to light to empower all of us to learn about these practices and do what we can to help people who are victims of such abuse, and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Even if there's nothing we feel like we can do to physically help, just by sharing things like this with others does help I also cried, no one deserves to live their life for others✌🏼️💕

[@escobarines]

Thank you for your comment Nabou, I also felt terrible, things like these happen everywhere in different shapes. Take care!

[@handl3_me]

My brother 🙏🏾

[@sonja0707]

GOD BLESS THE MAN THAT SAVED HER.

[@lumilabonte3980]

Miss Shannon. you are corrupt at the core if you think like that...wtf did you do for her? If not for him she would be there and even worse. Go get the demon out of you because you are worse then these people to say something like this about something you don't know!

[@xavierjames9270]

There are no gods, next!

[@xavierjames9270]

@Major Kei you know damn you are talking to yourselves.

[@xavierjames9270]

@Major Kei the sun is greater power. Now quit your imaginary friends are not real.

[@fly869]

Yes!

[@yonnyblair930]

I'm in Ghana from the Volta region where this practice is very rampant....it's a system where a young girl or boy is given to the fetish priest to compensate for a 'supposed' crime of a forefathers(an uncle, a father, or a grandfather) This practice isn't supposed to still happen now 2021. We learn about it in Religious and Moral Education as one of the outmoded traditional practices. I'm talking about it now because it used to be just some part of history lessons back in primary and junior high school but now I've come to understand that there are so many things as a young 18 year old city girl I've left to still thrive in my motherland(Ghana). I'm so happy for this woman that she gets to show all of us what we're letting get pass us.

[@annie_xo]

Despicable to make an innocent little girl suffer to pay for the wrongdoings of a grown man, the guilt is on him and him alone.

[@jmjenkins97]

Also notice how the men's sins are replayed by the women and girls sacrifice. Also notice how the men in the family gets to choose the girl to server for the sins. Also notice how their is $ex involved in these rituals...smh. Everyone should know sexism is much older than racism and BW need to be focus on both

[@britwash16]

Her little face in that interview made my heart drop I didn’t just see her pain but I felt it instantly, glad she got away and praying for the other women and girls still dealing with this lord help them🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️💜💜

[@smallmaniyor]

Love this documentary. Sometimes the closure we need is with ourselves. I don't believe her family has the closure she is looking for. Her friend at the end brought me to tears. May they both continue to find reasons to smile.

[@viveanaalmeida7854]

This is sad my mum went through something similar at 13 she eas basically kidnapped held hostage as a slave for years then eventually managed to escape i glad my mum is alive today and pray for all those still suffering in slavery

[@solomonitane5655]

African women are some of the courageous and the bravest on earth.

[@redeemablesoul]

Halleluja to that

[@harlequinreviews5999]

@Tobby Isiba You should see their other documentaries. They face all kinds of hardships and still go out of their way to go undercover to get justice, or in this case to bring awareness. It's easier to silently accept society's rules but to bring awareness to these horrible things really is remarkable.

[@NetiNeti-gm5bz]

Children and women* are both the most courageous humans in this world we all created

[@leonamay8776]

@@harlequinreviews5999 true. So much hardship... But it wouldn't be necessary if the men of their culture didn't rely on this practice!

[@xulupopo9288]

They are in fact the feistiest, bravest, and most courageous......

[@isabelapio7011]

I’ve never cried so much in my life, I can’t imagine being or giving my children away, god bless all the girls and women who suffer this horrific and old traditions

[@janet.oboutte1349]

She was sold Blacks sell Blacks for Slavery

[@TosinAlabi]

This brought so much tears to my eyes ...

[@lagosian123]

Tosin Alabi : I thought I was the only person who cried through the video. One of the customs in our society that need to be abolished

[@khunopie9159]

Your neighbor was cutting onions. That's all

[@ceilconstante7813]

Mast Dany Why should black Americans watch this? This is about an ancient belief in Ghana. About appeasing false gods

[@Chataine91]

Tosin and Lagosian, me too.

[@louiseottley4995]

Ceil Constante thank u very much same thing i am saying and she getting annoyed tell us what u do different after showing this

[@sophiarettberg8054]

Thank you for raising awareness about this issue and for Brigitte Sossou Perenyi's incredible insights and openness to share her story.

[@jlewis122]

He (her birth father) is defensive. She just wants answers. The truth about what happened. He is obviously lying. 🤥17:20

[@janet.oboutte1349]

He Sold her Blacks sold Blacks for ever and still going on

[@FeminineVibez]

Yea. He got very defensive and she was talking calmly. He was lying. He will have to live with that guilt for the rest of his life.

[@PMC35-s3f]

@@janet.oboutte1349 he fucking sold his one blood are sick I kille for my brother think about my one seed

[@gailbailey6945]

@@FeminineVibez . He was very defensive. He didn't feel guilty for what he did. He was embarrassed because he got called out and was afraid that his actions would be exposed. He began to scream so that she would stop asking questions, which was definitely a manipulation of her and the rest of the family. After that, no one dared reproach him. His reaction to her question was abusive.

[@elishasempire5051]

@@gailbailey6945 💯

[@petrafrimpong7704]

Nobody should ever go through the pain of paying for someone else's sins it's... absolutely wrong...🤦🏾‍♀️

[@alyssag.5758]

So sad that children are sent to suffer for what an adult did. Very sad.

[@peggysouther4484]

Jesus did! But That’s it!!! Anyone else...uncomprehending! You can bet it didn’t stop the guilty ones!

[@patsyjudd2117]

Satin counterfeits the truth. The truth is Jesus paid the price for our sins . Not a small child .

[@elaineinarizona6354]

Someone should come tell that to the black people in America.

[@carolinpurayidom4570]

@@peggysouther4484 Yes but he did so willingly of his own free will and choice not because he was forced at any moment he could've said no

[@MsDanioDanio]

16:49 The way her niece looks at her is precious!

[@pamelapaikopoulos2320]

Sexism !!! Why arent men paying for their sexual insults !? . Why aren't men going into trokosia ???? For affairs , etc .

[@mutelarsorhougbe4606]

pamela paikopoulos sexism is m VERY heavily ingrained in the older traditions of tribes and even today in modern cities in Africa it’s a large part of the mentality

[@pamelapaikopoulos2320]

Mute LarsOrhougbe4 yes , iam well aware of that. It is so in Africa, India, middle east ......the world is oppressed by the male dogmas . Education is the only way out . Educating women and men.

[@beverlyarcher3744]

pamela paikopoulos right educating what men consider cattle in most countries

[@tigermagda]

this is a centuries old practice. of course it's sexist.

[@s59463ify]

They are the breadwinners.😞

[@kinkykoilykawaii]

Stories like these break my heart and make it apparent why the education of women and girls is so important. It seems that not only are the young girls taken advantaged of, but so are the mothers who are pressured/brainwashed into giving their daughters away for the perceived good of all.

[@danimowat2830]

I know this has nothing to do with the content and her story is so heartbreaking, but can we just talk about how insanely beautiful this girl is?!

[@lavenderflowers1075]

Yeah, she is.

[@olgam6210]

Same thing I thought when I first clicked. The clear skin and eyebrows

[@juliansearcie1758]

Nothing wrong with commenting on her beauty

[@dss6838]

Yes absolutely

[@Tsubahi]

She looks like an angel. 😊

[@PuertoRicoPat]

So many of our belief systems are crazy. This woman is such a graceful soul and has embraced her present. Hats off to the lovely soul who adopted her.

[@sh4ynah4na]

she’s very beautiful! So sorry she had to go through that.. wow..

[@rahnuma11]

Itsyaboi Shay she’s gorgeous..I hope the rest of her life is full of happiness and strength...

[@rayychill1306]

iMaradiva same

[@letsthinkitover1]

She had a better life and is much healthier too. She should have a normal family and stop that old tradition. Maybe when then find Jesus it is good.

[@tronipalmer]

She is soooooooooooooooo gorgeous 😍

[@johnnydtw3509]

Yes she is

[@carmenp3003]

Yesss😍

[@ariefraiser140]

Yeah. That's the first thing I noticed also. She's gorgeous.

[@jamesmajors5858]

Aint she tho

[@jamesmajors5858]

True natural beaty

[@cocoaLIB]

I first found out about trokosi from the movie “Like Cotton Twines” and it was so sad. I’m African and certain tradition is important, but these traditions need to be done away with.

[@Eddie-kj1zb]

I just wish i could hug you for doing this documentary. I love you and im really happy that a family saw a future in you and saved you. More proud that your dad let you go find your blood family

[@sgill6294]

I would not go back to the family that just sent their child with a stranger.

[@carolinekpaduwa9814]

S GILL I would be mad as hell!!! I know I would definitely be an advocate to change those stupid traditions that are still prevalent there!!!

[@cynthiastevens8302]

Me either!

[@departedcloud]

Forgiveness sets u free but yeah I wouldn’t either

[@evlish8771]

I would go back only to shoot them all

[@angelagillett1033]

I am verry happy for her.

[@curtisneilson5829]

Glad she is free

[@Tefera-hf8fw]

Curtis Neilson she is indebted to the white man who gave a second life on Earth while no one in Ghana extended a hand to her. Shame

[@Awurabena1]

Curtis Neilson By a Christian charity. Christianity is good.

[@Klaharnchaiya]

thanks to that american guy who freed her

[@nickmamojele5748]

This is sad, I am happy that she got an opportunity to tell her story. Most people die without telling their stories. I can relate as I had my sister cousin taken away to live a distance from the family, we were very close around the age of 7-9. When I met her again a child, she was forced into a relationship that infected her with HIV and she was deprived of the education that she needed to change her life with. I am still hurting when I think about her and as she is no more I always pray for her soul. Her daughter has grown and taken care off by the aunt. I visit them from time to time and she is bright even at school. Thanks for sharing your story, I can relate, GOD BLESS YOU

[@nickmamojele5748]

@The Beast South Africa

[@nickmamojele5748]

@The Beast tough skin. Our battle is spiritual while our advisory fights in the flesh.

[@maefakewest8188]

May the Lord bless, comfort and protect you all the days of your life.

[@nickmamojele5748]

@@maefakewest8188 Stay Blessed my sister

[@PaulinaLokko]

It’s really sad to see these children robbed of their childhood for the sins of their relatives, my question is what’s in this and what outcome do they achieve by doing so? It’s mind probing for those of us who don’t understand the practice. We pray that more children would be set free from their captors. Lord you’re the only one who can relieve them from their plight.