Today was Mozambican Women’s Day, so we had off of school
and lots of celebrations!
Women’s Day here is to honor Josina Machel, who was one of
the first women dedicated to promoting women’s rights politically. It’s also to
pay tribute to women throughout the country campaigning for human rights and
fair treatment between men and women.
It’s a very important day here for all and as a female
volunteer who is personally very interested in equality for women, it was a
very exciting day!
It all started quite randomly (as most of my days here do)
and I have to tell you from the start my life lesson—always always ALWAYS carry
a capulana and a bottle of water with you, wherever you go, even you’re just
going to the bank.
I went out this morning to passear (wander around) and buy
credit for some internet binging since I haven’t been able to get a hold of the
school’s internet lately.
On my way back to my house, this woman named Julia comes
running up to me with an extra capulana and some flowers and pulls me over to
the Heros’ Plaza where women are dancing and placing flowers, so she makes me
do the same. Next thing I know we’re dancing and singing down the main road
past the factory to the hospital to see the baby that was born at midnight
today and bless the baby and give it clothes and other gifts.
After blessing the baby, we went back towards the village
for a children’s group to do a presentation, they did a bunch of dances and
songs about women’s equality and women’s right and decreasing violence against
women in this country.
Next thing I know, I’m eating lunch with the chefe de postal
and other women in the government here! It was so great to get to know them
better and chat about women in the community, in the process I was able to find
a counter part who will help me start a REDES group at my school—a group
focused on giving a girls a voice and talking about health issues, school, being
independent, etc.
It was all around a very random, and yet very exciting Dia
de Mulheres and very cool to be apart of the celebrations with the other
women!!
Feliz Dia de Mulheres!!
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| My friend Maryann was also dragged into the celebration! |
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| The lucky baby |
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| The women in charge of the day |
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