A Tribute to the Women of Mali

From my observation over the past two weeks, the women here are the foundation and backbone of the Malian society, and most likely, the economy. This is probably the untold story around the world, but in Mali it is so glaringly obvious.

The streets are packed with strong Malian women, dressed impeccably in vibrant, patterned dresses and head wraps, doing the hard work in this place. It seems that almost every woman is carrying a child on her back--the Malian way--suspended in a cloth that they wrap around their torso and tie in a knot at their chest. The women walk for miles with these sleeping babies hanging from their backs, with no sign of complaint or fatigue. Despite the muddy, messy, trash-littered streets, somehow their brilliance never seems to tarnish.

The women also carry everything on their heads. From baskets of fruits and vegetables to giant tubs of water, mountains of fabric, and other goods to be sold in the market, the women carry these loads with unbelievable poise and balance. They hike up hills, dodge through treacherous traffic, and hop along open sewers without dropping their goods and rarely using their hands to help with balance. They squat in the dirt, vigorously washing clothes in striped plastic buckets, and they sweep the storefronts on their knees.

Women carry babies on their backs and tubs of water on their heads.

The women who are ill, or who have sick children, come alone to the clinic and wait silently for long hours on hot, metal benches to see a doctor, nurse, or midwife, if one is available. The men do not accompany the women to the clinic, nor do they look after the children. Even for childbirth, the women come alone in the middle of the night and deliver their babies in silence.

The young women of Mali are modern and savvy. They have cell phones and pagers. They ride their own motorbikes. They visit internet cafes and shop in the markets for the latest fashions. They wear jeans at night and go out to the clubs and movie theaters.

The women of Mali are strong and proud, and from my view, they are responsible for making this place work. Somehow they bear this burden with a smile, a joyous spirit, and an attitude that says "without us, this place would be in trouble."

Women wait all day at the clinic for medical treatment.