By Frango Ringo Duel
It saddens me to see young girls on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms flaunting themselves as “slay queens” or claiming to be the baby mamas of popular musicians or wealthy men.
This prompted me to write about why many young girls are opting to become slay queens or baby mamas instead of pursuing more responsible paths.
Recently, images of young South Sudanese girls went viral on social media, proudly identifying as slay queens and ready to take over from older slay queens.
Dear young girls, remember that no situation is permanent. Today may be challenging, but tomorrow can bring change. Don’t let circumstances dictate your identity.
Respect your family’s reputation and avoid actions that might bring shame to your community. Focus on your studies rather than aspiring to be a slay queen. Consider how your peers in the village are leading fulfilling lives without the exploitation and pain that often accompany the pursuit of wealth in the city.
Don’t let the glamorous lives of others push you towards becoming a slay queen. Pray for blessings and trust that you have a promising future ahead. Don’t compromise your dignity for material possessions like iPhones or cars. Even if others seem to live a luxurious life, it’s crucial to remember your self-worth and aspirations.
In the past, parents advised their daughters to care for their husbands. Now, many parents encourage their daughters to seek wealthy men, hoping for financial stability. This shift contributes to the trend of young girls pursuing rich men.
Reflect on the sacrifices your mother made to raise you and think carefully before choosing the slay queen lifestyle. Slay queens often live beyond their means, projecting a lavish lifestyle despite lacking financial resources. This is often a result of parents instilling values of materialism rather than self-worth and personal development.
Some parents prefer their daughters to marry wealthy men rather than considering character or compatibility. This practice reduces marriage to a transaction rather than a partnership.
Many young girls are taught that men should pay for their affection, leading to entitlement and a focus on material wealth over genuine qualities. Getting money from rich men at the cost of your dignity will not bring true fulfillment.
Parents must be vigilant about where their daughters’ money comes from and should guide them with advice rather than simply accepting the financial benefits.
In conclusion, young girls, you are vital to your family’s future. Avoid falling into the trap of materialism and keep faith in your potential. Great opportunities await you. May you be blessed.
The writer is a South Sudanese citizen residing in the Arab Republic of Egypt.