When I was growing up, what I enjoyed and loved the most was going to my grandma’s. Most people will agree with me that visiting their grandma’s and grandpas’ is one of their favourite things, especially if you were (are) their favourite grandchild. In my case, I was and still am my grandma’s favourite. She would bring some goodies, but before anyone got them, she ensured that I got a more significant chunk first, and she was always so protective, ensuring that I did not get many house chores duties.

Along the way, I learned so many lessons from her. My grandmother is one of the most hardworking people I know. Unlike our custom, being a Maasai/Samburu woman, she did not sit and wait for the man to provide. My grandmother could do all her house chores during the day, like fetching firewood and water, cleaning, going to the market, preparing her children for school, and still working on her beading business and selling them. At that time, getting these resources was so hard, but my grandmother worked day and night to ensure that all her children went to school.

Due to my grandmother’s actions, I have learned to be all-rounded as a woman. Getting some help from our men is not in any way a problem. But the problem comes in when women choose just to sit and wait to be given. I understand that sometimes couples can sit down and agree on various ways that they want to raise their families, but I do not ascribe to the notion that a woman will just sit and rely on her spouse 100%. Even when one decides to be a stay-at-home mum, there are so many things that she can do at home. She can try some farming here and there or get into the online freelancing business. She does not have to get much, but at least she has something.