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The world changes faster than we can respond. Sometimes we don't even have to respond at all. But the best response sometimes is to engross oneself in a book, as a pause, before reacting.
These books map out the struggles and triumphs of women in Uganda. This women's month, we not only shine a light on their literature but their creativity to preserve the footprints of women's lives through time.
“Classic’ – a book which people praise and don’t read.” - Mark Twain.
"Kintu" by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi
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Man Booker Prize-winning author Marlon James described this book as "A soaring and sublime epic. One of those great stories that was just waiting to be told."
This novel speaks in a rift between a dark past and a bright future. It explores identity and tradition with a focus on the experiences of women. The book is an ambitious tale, and Makumbi doesn't tremble under the effort of leading characters through the struggle to reconcile their birthright and the modern world.
"The First Woman" by Jennifer Makumbi
The First Woman is sobering.
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It is a cocktail of love, family, politics, and religion seen through the experience of Kirabo. Kirabo is a young girl who is on a mission to find out who her mother is. She is caught between the sharp jaws of a conflict between her grandmother and a village witch. Makumbi explores the experience of women in Uganda in the crevices between country events and private lives, so you might come across kin experiences.
"Women's Struggle for Liberation in Uganda" by Ester Muduwa and Susan Kiguli
We often get caught up in the current state of issues and forget the wealth of history in our present, the timelessness of our unique experiences. This women's month, get caught up on your history of women's journey in Uganda from its birth to the current stage. It is non-fiction that depicts the achievements and challenges of Ugandan women.
"The Bee Eater: Michelle Rhee Takes on the Nation's Worst School District" by Richard Whitmire
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This crosses borders into America where a Ugandan-American woman took on America's capitol and won. The book is not by a Ugandan author, but the main character is a Ugandan-American woman named Michelle Rhee.
Her story takes place in Washington D.C where she challenges the public school system and succeeds in bringing reformation.
The book offers great insights into her experiences as a successful Ugandan woman in the United States.