Patience Akumu's transition from Uganda to Switzerland revealed stark contrasts in motherhood experiences. Despite living in Europe previously, the challenges of raising two children without the extended family support common in Uganda hit hard. The cultural differences became apparent: in Uganda, small achievements like a child sitting still would receive communal praise, whereas in Switzerland, such moments go unnoticed. Akumu reflects on the narratives of African motherhood and the laborious struggles depicted, contrasting them with her new reality of solitary parenting in a foreign culture.
I moved with my husband and two children... I was not ready for the parenting nightmare that came with it.
Replaying my new mum experience became my favourite pastime when I moved from Uganda to Switzerland in May last year.
There were no cheers for me when I made it to the bottom of the staircase without stepping on a toy car.
In Uganda, someone in the matatu... might have even offered to carry him so that I didn't have to pay the fare for two.
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