Jemasa

Jemasa is a Swahili word primarily used in East Africa, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania. It translates to "burden" or "responsibility." It can refer to a physical load, a mental weight, or an obligation one must fulfill. The term carries a significant cultural weight, often associated with the challenges and obligations of adulthood, family duties, and communal expectations. "Jemasa" highlights the inherent responsibilities each individual carries within their social context and can also be used figuratively to describe a difficult or trying situation that feels like a heavy load to bear.