Three Swahili Women Life Histories from Mombasa, Kenya [Paperback]

This is altogether a most worthwhile book, a fine example of a growing genre of African literature... Choice

Mirza and Strobel let these women speak about their lives in their own words, and the results are wonderful.... This is an excellent book with which to introduce students both to Africa and to life histories... American Historical Review

This exploration of the lives of three Mombasa women reveals the complexity of Swahili societyits ethnic diversity, the impact of slavery, and the varied reactions to colonialism and Western culture. They illustrate the rich interactions within the womens community, focused on family and festive or ritual occasions.

Preface
Glossary

Introduction

I: Kaje wa Mwenye Matano
Introduction
Kinship Diagram
My Family
Slavery
Childhood
Husbands and Children
Adult Life

II. Mishi wa Abdala
Introduction
My Family
Puberty Rites, Weddings, and Lelemama
Figure 1
Figure 2

III: Shamsa Muhamad Muhashamy
Introduction
My Early Life and Family
My Work in Womens Organizations

Appendix: The Translation: Swahili Language and Kimvita Dialect
Notes

References
Index