Sita, who is three months pregnant now, said, “I am still hoping for a son.”
Though the government spends millions to contain population growth, this has not had any effect on this remote village in Jajarkot.
Sita is illiterate. But her husband Lal Bahadur, who studied till the fifth grade, is adamant in his demand for a son.
“It is easy for you to say that one shouldn´t have too many children,” said Lal Bahadur. “But a son is a must for the family´s honor,” he added.
He further said that villagers look down upon couples that do not have a son. “My wife is only 32. Age is on her side, and she might finally give birth to a son,” he said.
But the hope for a son, and the consequent increase in family size, has brought many problems in his household. He is facing problems raising his daughters, feeding them and educating them.
The unending series of pregnancies has also harmed Sita´s health. She suffers from stomach aches.
“In the first year of marriage, we were able to sell grains to villagers,” Lal Bahadur said. “But now, we have to buy food grains to feed the family for eight months every year. But I must have a son.”
Three daughters of the couple study in the local school. But whether they can continue studies for long is doubtful.
“We have to eat. Studies are not enough. The family cannot be fed is everyone does not earn,” Sita said.
The educated villagers say the couple should be used as an example to spread awareness about family planning.
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