I asked my colleague Grace Mukasa in Kenya what she would celebrate today, she said
‘In East Africa I would celebrate the work of younger women, those still of reproductive age, who are often too overloaded with pregnancy, childcare and family welfare to have even a little time to rest or look after themselves. The younger women who lose out on so much opportunity because they are so busy looking after others. The period in life where husbands and relatives combine to control your mobility because of fear of adultery. The young women who have no older daughters or daughters-in-law to delegate to! It’s a day to celebrate their resilience. It’s an opportunity to look forward to the day they will know they have the abilities; the family, community and government support; and the means to use opportunities to improve their wellbeing.’
I’m with Grace – let’s celebrate resilience and the day when young women in East Africa can take opportunity.