The Woman Behind the Stall

Every morning before most people wake up, she is already at the market.

She arranges tomatoes, peppers, onions and other vegetables on a small wooden table. By sunrise, customers are already bargaining with her. Some days are good. Some are not.

But behind that simple stall is a woman carrying the responsibility of an entire household.

She tells me that business has taught her patience. It has also taught her that dignity does not always come from having a big office or a prestigious job. Sometimes, dignity is waking up every morning, doing honest work and knowing that someone depends on you.

There are thousands of women like her whose stories rarely make headlines. Yet they keep families running, contribute to their communities and create opportunities with very little support.

Perhaps we should pay more attention to these quiet forms of strength.