frester

Zambians do take their holidays seriously. Even though the 2009 International Women's Day was on Sunday, Zambians took the day off on Monday. I had the great pride and honor to participate in the march along with fellow teachers from Munali High School (www.munaligirls.hs.zm). A few weeks earlier, we were given a piece of fabric, called chitenge. Each of us went to our favourite tailor and had our clothes made. I had a shirt with collar, buttons, and pockets put together for me. It was so much fun to see what each person designed. The march was a few kilometer long. Each contingency had the same fabric. The spirits were very high. I was wondering how women handle carrying huge heavy handbags and marching in high heel shoes. We ended up at a conference center where we watched dance show and few speakers including the president of Zambia speaking. The president said in honor of this day, he cooked for his wife. That made me wonder if it is the only time of the year he does something for his wife. After the march, we returned to high school and had our own party in the staff room. There were food, drinks, music, dance, and laughter.