Tanzania: Activists castigate First Lady for endorsing reed dance

Gender activists have condemned Tanzania's First Lady, Mrs Salma Kikwete, for supporting the Swazi cultural ritual, umhlanga (reed dance). "The reed dance encourages girls to abstain from sex because they know if they are not virgins they will not be allowed to participate. This prevents them from contracting HIV/Aids," said Mrs Kikwete in her address to an audience in Mbabane.