We are the ones who first ploughed the earth when Modise {God} made it," ran an old Setswana poem. "We were the ones who made the food. We are the ones who look after the men when they are little boys, when they are young men, and when they are old and about to die. We are always there. But we are just women, and nobody sees us.
The excerpt from Alexander McCall Smith's "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" reflects the vital but often overlooked role of women in society. The poem highlights how women are integral to various stages of life, from nurturing the young to caring for the elderly. Their contributions, such as farming and providing sustenance, underscore the foundational work women perform, which remains largely unrecognized and unappreciated by society.
This sentiment captures the essence of women's enduring presence and support through generations, emphasizing both their strength and the invisibility they experience. The acknowledgment of their continuous labor portrays a poignant truth about societal values and encourages a reevaluation of the recognition granted to women's roles and efforts throughout history.
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
