Health In Her Handbag - By Rabia Cassimjee Khan

Written By: Rabia Cassimjee Khan

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In "Health In Her Handbag," Rabia Cassimjee Khan offers a poignant and evocative tribute in the category of Poetry, as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Hailing from a background in nursing, Rabia draws upon her expertise and cultural heritage to weave a narrative that celebrates the historical practice of traditional home birthing. Through her words, she honors the legacy of women who carried health in their handbags, journeying through time and culture.

About the Work

Rabia's poem beautifully captures the essence of traditional midwifery, portraying it as an art form passed down through generations. The imagery of "Bag Nurses" carrying their tools with grace and skill highlights the dedication and ingenuity of these women. Her work evokes a sense of nostalgia and respect for a once-thriving profession, now rendered extinct, yet still revered through her verses.

Poetry

Original Submission by Rabia Cassimjee Khan

Health In Her Handbag

Rabia Cassimjee Khan

Masters in Nursing – University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) in the year 2000

Clothed in a white anglaise sari,

Equipped with tools for her trade.

She walked the stretches of Natal and beyond.

From the 1860 ships ahoy,

To the Durban Casbah and beyond,

Inward and Onward,

She practiced her trade,

With grace and skill.

An art form, like no other,

Passed down from mother to daughter,

through sister to friend.

An extinct network of women skills,

Traditional Home Birthing.

From Rebecca Atchmma George, Ayesha Kader and Junction Aya,

To the last surviving "Bag Nurse" Sister Thylammah Pillay (passed in 1997).

They also tended the physical and emotional woes of our people,

Caste, colour and creed aside.

Healthcare was in the hands of priests and these "Bag Nurses".

Named after their brown cardboard, school style suitcases,

They carried this bag of help with products, pride and power.

Its' contents would delight or shock many,

Fishing line or twine, Minora blades, Lion matches, cotton wool, gauze, massage oils, birth spices/marenseloo, the dried flower of Mariam (their labour timer), a net fish weighing scale, hand-made baby clothes and moreeee.

A golliwog too!!!

To demonstrate the mechanism of labour,

A part of antenatal care,

To calm an expectant mom.

These were their ingredients for safe birthing and aftercare.

Similes and synonyms evolved with their tasks,

Bag Aunties and Marrthuvatchis,

Aayas, Dhayees, Halimas, Bag Ladies, Bag Nurses...Our Community Midwives.

There were many titles and roles for these phenomenal women.

Now, an extinct profession.

These Indian Bag Ladies were tried,

Trusted,

but also tested!

This ancient skill during early indenture was illegal,

With fines in Pounds (£) for unorthodox yet ingenious practices.

Further training with Sister Mary Kathleen Brown of the Durban City Borough,

Presented a legal, prestigious and safe home-birthing career.

More than a century of success,

A rewarding yet tiring job,

Built a household name.

A pioneering spirit to proudly leading Indian girls,

Like Mum and I,

Into South African Professional Nursing.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a celebration of diverse voices and artistic expression from around the world. Participants explore a wide array of themes, showcasing their unique perspectives through poetry, short stories, and creative writing. The competition fosters a vibrant community of writers, encouraging the exchange of cultural narratives and innovative ideas.

We extend our gratitude to Rabia Cassimjee Khan for her insightful contribution, "Health In Her Handbag," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her work not only enriches the poetic landscape but also preserves an important piece of cultural history. Thank you, Rabia, for sharing your voice and your heritage with us.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.