1. Gender inequality as enabler:
There are ascribed roles which further disposes women like Mercy and relegates them to being baby making machines . Girls are discouraged for seeking education and access is only limited to boys (they get resources, opportunities and are positioned to be powerful (provider status) which is how Clinton managed to use SEA to gain favour with Mercy and later married her and continued to physically, emotional and probably economically abused her as she ended up doing all the chores , raising the children as unpaid labour nd also going to the markets to sell. The church also played a role in preaching chastity and submissiveness etc in relationships.
2. Violence and inequality
She is objectified in the loveless relationship with no voice as she is perceived as having no rights, and the family will probably ostracize her if she returns home to flee the abuse and violence (stigma), the church will also admonish and shame her for being a bad wife and she may suffer secondary victimization and abuse.