Nobility of women behind the masks entrances visitor

I love women for what they are and what they do. An English proverb says: "Men make houses, but women make homes", but from the West to the Orthodox world and the Far East, the place of woman differs.

In Paris, I smiled at beautiful women who were proud of their femininity.

In Mongolia, I was amazed at the dexterity of women breastfeeding a baby in one arm and milking goats or mares with the other.

Finally, in Vietnam, I came across women who can be seen but not recognised, the worker ants of society who always seem to be hidden with a mask and a floppy hat. Once we become aware of this, we see them everywhere, always working so hard.

We see them bowed under the weight of goods or pushing carts filled with rubbish. We see their muscles tense up at construction sites as they carry bricks and debris.

Vietnamese women carry, push, grow, build, clean, dig, plant and harvest. They move around masked. On their heads, a traditional hat, mask and often scarf hides most of their faces to protect them from pollution and dust.

When we do manage to see their faces, we notice that they have a look that is precious and noble. They have families to feed and people to support.

I do not really know the place of women in Vietnamese society, but every time I feel a deep respect for these women.

I hope that when the work is done, once their heads are liberated, that smiles light up their faces.