Introduction

In Chad, women play a central role in the family unit. Beyond her traditional role as wife and mother, she is a driving force for stability, education and development. Yet many women have never had the chance to go to school. Despite this, they still find ingenious ways to support their households, whether in the fields, at the market, in housework or through street vending. This article highlights their remarkable contribution and the challenges they overcome every day.

An Essential Educational and Moral Role

Chadian women are often their children’s first teachers. Even without formal education, they pass on essential values such as respect, discipline and solidarity. Through her advice and behaviour, she shapes the personality and future of her children. As well as moral education, she also looks after their schooling, making sure that her children are given the tools they need to succeed. Her commitment to their education is often a sacrifice, because she is investing in her children’s future, even when resources are limited.

An Essential Economic Contribution

Despite the lack of access to education, Chadian women play a crucial economic role in the home. In rural areas, they work in the fields, growing millet, sorghum or vegetables. This hard work ensures the family’s food security and sometimes generates extra income. In urban areas, many women turn to trade. They sell local produce at the market or go travelling, travelling long distances to sell their wares. Others work as housekeepers, cooks or washerwomen, providing essential services despite often difficult conditions and meagre wages. These economic efforts, although often underestimated, are essential to the smooth running of the household. Thanks to their perseverance, these women manage to pay for school fees, healthcare and their families’ daily needs.

Emotional Support and Household Management

In addition to their economic and educational responsibilities, Chadian women are also the emotional heart of the household. Through their listening skills, patience and wisdom, they ease tensions and strengthen family ties. They play a key role in strengthening couples, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding. They also manage the household chores, often without help, ensuring cleanliness, cooking and daily organisation of the home. This multiple workload demands remarkable energy and organisation.

Challenges to Overcome

Despite their fundamental role, Chadian women face many obstacles. Lack of access to education limits their professional opportunities and their participation in family and community decision-making. What’s more, the multiple burdens they carry (work, bringing up children, running the household) often expose them to exhaustion. Gender inequalities also persist, reducing their voice in important decision-making and hindering their personal and professional development.

Valuing and Supporting Chadian Women

To enable women to play their full role, it is essential to facilitate their access to education and vocational training in order to strengthen their skills and autonomy, encourage the sharing of responsibilities within the couple, to lighten their daily burden, and promote their rights and their active participation in family and community decision-making.

Conclusion

The Chadian woman is an essential pillar of the home. Through her courage, love and hard work, she ensures not only the stability of her family, but also the development of society. Even without access to school, she always finds ways to provide for her household, illustrating exceptional strength and resilience. Valuing and supporting Chadian women mean investing in a better future for us all.

Together, let’s help Chadian women celebrate 08 March with love and honour.

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