Josina

A public holiday for different reasons in both Mozambique and Tanzania, and Mozambique’s is for Women’s Day, Dia da Mulher Moçambicana. It was instituted in honour of Josina Machel, a young freedom fighter active in the early struggle for independence against the Portuguese, who died before the fight was won.

People take the day seriously. I barely saw any women today not wearing a traditional capulana as a headscarf, as displayed at the beach restaurant Ana and I went to all afternoon. There was a great atmosphere and it was a fun day. The singer had to watch as his set was overrun by women grabbing the mic and performing karaoke and empowering speeches. Kudos to them.

With the city backdrop and jovial celebrations, it was a most excellent day of enjoying Maputo before I travel back to Tanzania tomorrow.