The rain was coming down hard on us, most people in the bus
was panicking because they have no umbrella with them. When we finally dropped
at Oyingbo we were greeted by Kaya (male domestic load carriers) they where
even fighting for the bag full of vegetables. I was still trying to understand
why these guys were in the rain when I suddenly sighted market women
calling for customers.
The day wasn’t bright yet, and the rain was hell bent on
coming down on mankind and this women were determined to sale their wares. The shock
of that site still lingers in my memory, I am one person who can’t stand the
rain, but these women dared the rain to do its worst. Most of them covered
their wares with transparent nylons only those with fruits and vegetables left
theirs open for mother rain to wash freely for them, with touch lights in their
hands they continued to call for customers.
Was it the economy or was it that just like me, they couldn’t
stand the thought of staying at home. The economy is really a big factor but I think
they really love what they do, yes they do. I could have used the rain as an excuse to get late to
the office, so could these women too. They could have sat t home and wait for
the rain to subside, they could have slept, take a hot cup of tea, gist with
their neighbor, turn on the TV and watch whatever was on at the moment, but
they didn’t, instead they stood up to tell tomorrow I am ready, for the feeding
of the children, for the Christmas at hand, for welfare and education of the
little one, this market women left the comfort of their homes to make ends
meet.
You might argue that the economy has forced them to turn to
this part but believe you me, what you do over time becomes a part of you that
you can’t let go, this women really love the market, after their family I can
bet the market life comes next, just like I love my job. With the way they
laughed about what they were discussing, the way they even spoke to the rain to
do its worst today, the way they fought for customers and still hugged after a
customer was gone, They have come to see the market place as a second home and
take it as a haven even with the fights, the incidents and accidents.
Salute to the African woman who believes that come what may…WE
WILL SURVIVE.
Dela
