(it is the official hashtag of International Women’s Day 2021)
Even this year in Mukwamba Village the race is female! It is for mothers, daughters and grandmothers. And at times even great-grandmothers, like the three over 80 who closed the arrivals at the top of the very steep final up-hill that ends at the gate of the school. Many generations of women, like provincial sport clubs, have been meeting one another for the past seven years at the Chakwela Makumbi School, taking a day of well-deserved rest from the many daily difficulties.
#choosetochallenge! It is to participate!
Living in Mukwamba Village, or in the nearby villages, is not easy especially for a woman. Water is collected from hand pumps, perfect for shoulders and triceps, and it is carried back home on the head in dripping 20 liter buckets. Cooking is on a fire of charcoal or firewood. The laundry needs to be done in a muddy stream. Field work is a must for all. There is no electricity, this is why the small solar systems for the first prize were really appreciated.
#choosetochallenge! It is the beauty of life! That even though it is tough it always gets better.
Almost 250 girls under 12, about 100 under 30 and then about 70 up to over 80. An age that is still rare in these areas where the fear of not having enough daily food scares more than Covid. The Women’s Race is by now an event of the natural calendar of the valley, no need for flyers, announcements and adbvertising. It is there. Everybody knows it is there! Should we ever skip a year, I reckon we would better lay low for quite a while around that area…
#choosetochallenge! It is to be there, to run and to have fun!
This year in which our finances cry more than usual, the organization of the race was sponsored by Jacaranda Onlus, from Treviso! A group of women (and sprightly grandmothers) who often follow us lovingly in our crazy projects. The water that comes from the taps of the school was one of their precious gifts too.
For you Jacarandas #choosetochallenge! It is to continue even in the next editions!
The heavy rains of this year have enriched the scenery of the races painting them of an overflowing emerald green, eroding the roads and damaging some bridges, giving the idea to be running at breakneck speed through an impervious road to Heaven (that it is after all our school…)
#choosetochallenge! It is to live without fear where we are!
For the record and for posterity, here is the leader board!
Junior (Under 12):
1) Evious Chikondi
2) Milda Chibamba
3) Astian Chiwamba
Senior (Under 30):
1) Margaret Chilobapasi
2) Teresa Chisulo
3) Veronica Kazambaila
Ladies (Over 30):
1) Jane Soko
2) Prisca Hachalwa
3) Mary Mwinga
See you again next year!
And remember do not challenge our Fantastic (running) Women!