#NurseDTakesZambia #4 #WomenofZambia

She was trying to sell me her homemade clothing. She begged me to admire her talent and to  show my delight in it by purchasing her goods. She was 24 and had 2 children with her as she attempted to sell the products of her talent to feed them. One was hiding under the table of hand made dolls and the other cuddled on her back with a traditional cloth wrap. 

I asked her if it was comfortable, and she just laughed at me and asked if I wanted to try it, and so I did. #NurseD wrapped her napping son on her back as she browsed some of her market's goods. As I strive to provide adequate care and maintain lives of others, she struggles daily as she carries those on her back to keep them alive, safe and well. 

African women may not all know how to write, but many speak 4 or more languages fluently. Many utilize thir tribal designed cloth materials as wraps around their bodies, as skirts, blankets, headscarves and even baby carriers. Some carry one child in front and one in back. Usually the breastfeeding babes score shotgun spots in front of the mom's bodies for their "all you can eat" accommodations. Many of the children begin walking later because they spend the first few years journeying on the moms backs; but as soon as they do walk they sharpen their heels into a thick leather sole as they toddle about their towns, barefoot. 

The women in the compounds I have visited often work with their kids on their back and sometimes balancing their goods on their heads as well.  Most of the women wear skirts, or wraps.  Many also keep their hair covered and are consciously modest. Even in our clinic when mentioning issues related to their female organs, which is a frequent issue, they whispered its with a blush visible through their dark skin tones, and sent their kids out of the room. 

Many of these women survive their day, and feed their children via selling goods that they created; they sell their something made of nothings, and all with additional loads on their back.