Pendo is a heroine because she acts for mothers and babies. She participated in the local Mama Ye! launch with her husband, she donated blood and has pledged to spread the message. Pendo. Mama Ye! celebrates you!
The first thing that struck me about Pendo Ekwabi was her enormous smile. I watched her notice the size of the crowd gathered under decorated tents, then follow the other guests from the district authority attending our Mama Ye! district-level launch in Butiama District, where we were also partnering with the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) to collect blood for mothers and babies as part a region-wide schedule of activities to mark the national celebrations of World Blood Donor Day 2013 being hosted by Mara Region. Taking initiativeBut Pendo had done something uncommon. Spouses of dignitaries don’t usually ‘invite’ themselves to official events. Her husband Denis Ekwabi, the Vice Chairman of Butiama District Council, was the guest of honour and was glad to have her join him because, as she puts it. “There was no way I would miss such a get-together because I am pro mothers and babies, always.”It was past midday when their entourage arrived as scheduled. The venue was only a walking distance from the late Julius Nyerere, the first president of Tanzania’s home. Already over 100 men and women had donated blood to help save mothers and babies. Some donors had wandered off to their nearby residences, while others were enjoying a festive atmosphere at the grounds with music playing, quizzes and gifts bearing Mama Ye! messages. Playing an active role as a catalyst to maternal and newborn survival Mama Ye! brought together committed groups of people to help save the mothers and babies of Mara. On the technical side National Blood Transfusion Services had teamed up with the Butiama District Hospital personnel in the bleeding exercise that started from 8:00 a.m., with people continuously streaming in, responding to the call to save mothers and babies of Mara. The final count that day was over 250 units of blood collected! A colourful event Then the ceremony began. Setting a colourful and energetic tone to the event were the Mshikamano traditional dancers. The ladies in pretty beaded face gear, the gents in impressive feathers and beads decorations danced to tunes that drew back to the venue those who had begun to go home.The high table was introduced and each guest took the chance to greet the audience. Without doubt, Pendo’s introduction received the warmest and loudest cheer from Butiama residents, appreciating her gesture to be with them that afternoon and, of course, to join the Mama Ye! campaign for Mara mothers and babies.“It is rare for wives of leaders to simply tag along because they were touched by a cause. In many instances they are not even introduced when government officials are, so these spouses just occupy their seats silently until the entourage leaves, says Edna Marwa, a secondary school student.But that was not the case for Pendo, she commanded a presence that was felt. “It is my husband who was invited to officiate this event, I thought to myself, ‘I should also be there’” she told me while she waits her turn to fill a volunteer donor questionnaire. “Of course he agreed when I asked to accompany him, and I am so glad I came to be with all of you people here who want the best for our mothers and babies.” Mama Ye! activist and heroine“I have been moved not just as a mother, but as a responsible member of Butiama community. I know a neighbour who almost died because of bleeding during childbirth. Luckily she survived after a blood transfusion. Since then I never take lightly these things.”Pendo, a mother of three is a teacher at Musoma Municipality. She sees the opportunity to spread the Mama Ye! message to her colleagues and students. “In just a few years, my students will be adults themselves, this is why it is important to instil these life-saving values in them now,” she says and concludes that “I also see an opportunity to talk to other women in our social groups and networks, about safe motherhood in general.”Pendo is a heroine because she acts for mothers and babies. She participated in the local Mama Ye! launch with her husband, she donated blood and has pledged to spread the message. Pendo. Mama Ye! celebrates you!