Mimi Mwiya, Namibian, writes a poem in Silozi about being a woman. Mimi says ‘as a woman, as a human being, you can be anything and everything you want to be’. Enjoy the poem and Happy International Women’s Day!
Umusali
SILOZI
Umusali
Kumalela cwalo
Haunze uhula, mubii wahao wacinca
Amuhela cwalo
Ngana yahao ika cinca nikuhula
Usi swabeli mayemo
Usi swabi kuipulelela
Ube nimayemo ahao
Usi inyninyifazi kayomuñi
.
Umusali
Uikuhumuse nikuikutwa
Linzwi lahao limata halina tikanyo
Kalona ni kakezo
Likona kuyahulula ni kuyaha
Li sebelise kangana
Umusali
Ufa bupilo
Lizwele lahao lifa sico
Lizwalo lahao lamakaza
Lilato lahao lifa maata
Umusali
Siliseli kuituta
Siliseli kuhula
Kono hape
Usi libali
Seuli sona usi eze cwale….
..si likani
Umusali
Ulikani
Bupilo bwahao kimakazo
Umusali
Mahe macaba
Famukokoto wahao kupepilwe baeteleli babañata
babacilokile
Una nimata
Utiile
Ubutali
Wa futumala
Ulilato
Wena
Umusali!
ENGLISH
You are woman
embrace it.
As it grows, your body will change
embrace that too.
Your mind will change and grow too
do not shy away from it
do not shy away from having your say,
making your stand.
Do not make yourself small for anyone.
You are woman
stand tall and walk proud.
Your word has immeasurable power
both it and your deed
can break or build
use it wisely.
You are woman
your womb gives life
your breast nourishes
your love gives strength.
You are woman
don’t ever stop learning
don’t ever stop growing
but also
don’t ever forget
everything you are and do now…
…is enough.
You are woman
you are enough.
Your very existence is a wonder.
You are woman
mother of nations
The back upon who many leaders have ridden,
risen.
You are resilience
You are strength
You are wisdom
You are warmth
You are love
You
Are woman!