In May last year, a family embarked on a journey from Uganda to Switzerland, seeking new experiences and opportunities. The author, her husband, and their two children left behind the familiar comforts of Ugandan life to embrace a different lifestyle in Europe. Having previously lived in the UK and other parts of Europe, the author had never ventured outside Uganda with her family. This move marked the beginning of an eye-opening chapter, contrasting the dynamics of raising children in Uganda and Switzerland. The author's husband and children have since returned to Uganda, while she plans to navigate life between the two countries.
Globally, women perform 76% of unpaid care work, a reality that underscores the challenges faced by many. The author's experience in Switzerland highlighted stark differences from her expectations of Western motherhood. In Uganda, families often hire help to manage household tasks, a practice seen as a luxury reserved for the wealthy in Switzerland. The Ugandan primary school syllabus promotes the nuclear family as the ideal model, but community support remains strong. Mothers can drop off their children at a neighbor's house without prior notice, and families often share childcare duties, fostering a collective approach to parenting.
The author's six-year-old son received a compliment from a stranger for his discipline during a matatu ride, a testament to the communal values embedded in Ugandan society. New mothers in Uganda enjoy care and recognition for up to a year after childbirth. The title "nakawere" is bestowed upon women as acknowledgment for their unpaid care work, reinforcing the community's appreciation for their contributions. In 2019, the global value of unpaid care work performed by women was estimated at $10.8 trillion, highlighting its economic significance.
In contrast, Switzerland presented a different environment for the author. She missed the assistance of her home manager, Irene, who played a crucial role in managing her household in Uganda. The absence of community support and recognition for unpaid care work in Switzerland was palpable. The experience underscored the profound impact of societal structures on parenting and family dynamics.
As the author reflects on her journey, she acknowledges the unique challenges and rewards of raising children in different cultural contexts. Her experience in Uganda was deeply influenced by the community's recognition and reward for women's unpaid care work, fostering a supportive environment for mothers. In Switzerland, she navigated a more individualistic approach, where communal support was less prevalent.