i've been helping out a rural women's sewing group with donations given to me before i left. i was first introduced to the group when i saw the dolls they make for sale. after speaking with the woman who was selling them, i decided i wanted to get involved with the group. the women had been offered free sewing training in a village 1.5 hours away. for 2 women to go for two weeks, it would cost them E2000 (almost $250). there is no way that these women can come up with this kind of money. so i've decided to fund their transport and few other things and everyone is happy.
the women all live in one village. i visit once a week and it is so interesting. they all work in a very small mud hut with no window nor electric lighting. they are starting to open up and discuss their lives with me. a few of the women share the same husband. because they live in the rural area, it is not uncommon. grace was telling me the her husband has 12 children; 3 with her, 5 with the second wife and 4 with 'other' women. i don't want to probe about the 4 children born out of wedlock (her term). they openly discuss AIDS, rape, incest and abuse; topics that all are too real here. everyone knows of someone who has been raped, beaten or died from HIV/AIDS. i sit in this hut, watching the women manually power their sewing machines, laughing and having fun despite the kind of life they lead. i am always so silent in their presence. when it's time to leave i stand from the straw mat, wipe the dirt from my clothes and am speechless. i am starting to understand women power.
No comments:
Post a Comment