Interview with Majuma Haji Mkoma by Sumaya Ahmed
Sumaya Ahmed
Sumaya Ahmed
Dr. Thekima Mayasa
31 July 2025
Interview Paper
According to Majuma Haji Mkoma it wasn't hard to detect the difference between these countries. With an agricultural life in Somalia and an industrial life in America. America was the most beneficial and smartest choice she was able to give her children. There are opportunities like a free education, housing arrangements, and so many more that Majuma had living in the United States. Being a woman and a mother she wants to fulfill her duties and living in the U.S. makes it challenging for her family and herself. There are many similarities and differences living as a woman in a far off place like Somalia than the United States.
Based on the interview, as a woman that grew up in east african culture and lifestyle, she contributed all her hard work to her family. Majuma Mkoma has four sisters and three brothers in her family. They were really busy kids that would do a lot to provide for the family like building the house which was made out of mud, tree bark and leaves. However, they didn’t have beds so they slept on the floor. Family is Majuma’s first priority and still is. As a woman, she was the caregiver and cleaner as well as the cook. She gained many skills in the kitchen. She felt at peace when making her country food like ugali also known as Kenyan cornmeal and gathering lots of fruits from the outside markets. Being a woman meant that she must be the one that makes sure all her family members are fully fed, clothed, and even clean the house. Majuma’s mother taught her all she knows, for example being obedient to her elders because they are wiser and more knowledgeable. It is also a muslim commonality to respect and obey your parents. Unfortunately, she was not able to get an education in her community because of costs and the work she had to complete for her family. However, she educated herself by learning new languages. Majuma growing up didn’t experience any race or gender discrimination which was something that is definitely common in the United states. It was being heard around in the market but she paid no mind to it because it wasn’t directed at her. Her life in Somalia was backbreaking with tiresome nights, through the struggles there were also many economic issues as well as government problems that were going on.
Coming to the United States, she noticed the drastic changes like a more industrialized way of life. Americans are very judgemental and very closed minded, she stated in the interview. However, her biggest accomplishment coming to America is to give her children an education and choice to better their future. Living in America has its struggles and hard work, but Majuma grew up working hard so it’s nothing new to her. The lifestyle in America is simpler but more complicated than back in Somalia because of the homes, economy, and the most important education. The local stores and supermarkets are more versatile because Walmart has food, but they also have a section for clothes, technology and books. Majuma is a positive and calm person so she pays no mind to discrimination even in the U.S., although she hears about it constantly and is seen as a serious topic. As a woman and her family she still does her “womanly” duties like cook, clean, care for the children and/or guests that come over. Other than that there are no other differences from living in Somalia than America. She took the advantage of getting an education herself and learned more proper English at an adult school offered by Mid-city CAN, an advocacy organization for youth and the minority. Life in America is a gift to Majuma Mkoma and her family because now her kids and grandkids can prosper with whatever profession of their choice. “The opportunities are endless,” she says.
To conclude, Majuma Haji Mkoma experienced both the agricultural life and industrial life as a woman and the industrial lifestyle is what she’s stuck with. The differences were so much that it was hard for her to remember them. For example, the big one was education because she didn’t get one and giving her kids the opportunity was her biggest accomplishment. In addition, the economy and the living establishment is a better and safer investment because it would be sturdy enough and long lasting
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