Respect or Discrimination? woman removed from Funeral for no doek

LIMPOPO-A woman shared her shocking experience on X (formerly Twitter) after being removed from a funeral service in Limpopo for failing to wear a traditional doek.

In many African cultures, traditional ceremonies dictate specific attire as a sign of respect. Women typically wear long skirts and cover their hair with a scarf or doek, while men wear long trousers and a blazer or in some West African countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Mali, and Senegal wear a traditional dashiki.

Twitter user @_sdvh recounted her experience, saying she had traveled to Limpopo for the funeral, only to be asked to leave due to her attire. Despite wearing what she considered respectful clothing, the absence of a traditional doek led to her ejection.

She expressed frustration, noting that many others at the funeral were dressed less formally without consequence.

The Twitter user further disclosed a painful detail, stating she was barred from entering the cemetery where the deceased would be laid to rest and unable to pay her final respect.

Twitter users weighed in after the woman’s account.

Some emphasized cultural adaptability like one user who advised, “When attending a funeral outside your province, pack extra items to respect local customs.'”

Others criticized the family’s actions.”Kicking her out without prior warning was disrespectful, regardless of the reason.”

Another user argued”She took time off and spent fuel to attend; that’s petty and hurtful.”

Context from @Ms_Mandy shed light on local traditions: “In Limpopo’s rural areas, women must cover their heads and bodies to enter the cemetery, while men need jackets and long trousers.”