What challenges does each female character face and how do they respond to these issues?

Tambu faces the challenge of obtaining an education. She is driven to do well, but her desire for an education does not become a possibility until after her brother's death.

Nyasha is determined not to conform to her father's image of womanhood. She later suffers from a severe eating disorder.

Ma'Shingayi struggles with the death of her son, and Tambu's eventual absence. Her response is to fall into a great depression.

Maiguru is a strong educated woman. She struggles with the ways she is help back, particularly by her husband, who expects her to accept her role as wife and mother. Over time, Maiguru learns to speak up and assert herself. She even stands up to her husband and supports Tambu when she is accepted to the convent school.