It is so sad that we got to witness the heightened levels of bias among women at the eve of International Women’s Day. You all watched that video of a woman being stripped of her dignity.
The video was not an isolated case, it was just proof of how rotten our society has been.
I have no clue as to why we set aside a single day to celebrate women’s day. But this is what I think; that we celebrate woman for being a life giver, for being strong, for being a nurturer and so many more. I’m writing this to honor women.
This article is dedicated to all women who may not be aware of their worth. And, being a woman myself, I know that many women in the world feel ‘unworthy’. But, today I affirm with you the strength, the beauty, and the importance that you hold as a person, qualities that make you the unique woman you are. And when I say beauty, know that I’m not only referring to your looks, but rather, to your character.
Woman. Imagine God created the whole earth, made man in his own image and likeness but the creation wasn’t complete without one thing. A woman. Everything that God made was good then he created woman and everything was so good. Man had a companion, someone to talk to, someone to help him name the birds, trees and animals, someone to listen to his fears and dreams, someone to lean on. A woman.
This is for the woman who was never affirmed as a young girl. All she got was criticism and negative comments from family and friends. The girl who tried to do everything right but was never appreciated. The girl who took care of her siblings when mom and daddy were away, siblings who disrespected her and did directly opposite of what she expected of them.
The girl who didn’t get an education because ‘girls do not deserve education’ yet all her brothers were educated. All she was was a deputy parent, the cook, the laundry girl, the farmer. This is for the girl who was beaten for her siblings mistakes.
This is for the girl who went through so much shame at school because she was not like the other girls. Either because she was short, tall, fat, skinny, dark or light and made to believe that she ought to have appeared in any other way. For the girl whose self esteem and self confidence were crashed at an early age and it has been a journey to pick up the pieces.
For the girl who was avoided by her peers for being too clever or did fairly well. For the girl who wasn’t included in social groups and felt worthless. For the girl who was stared at or snared because she developed breasts at an early age (which was actually the right time), for the girl who suffered shame because she developed pimples on her face or got a stained uniform during her periods.
For the girl who was made to believe that adolescence was disgusting and not a beautiful growth experience. For the girl who rarely or never got cute letters, flowers, cards or compliments from boys leading her to believe that she’s not worth some love and appreciation. For the girl who was disliked by her teachers for being confident and firm, never afraid to seek clarification but the teachers made her feel as if she was nagging.
This is for the girl who was touched inappropriately by her brother when the parents were away and threatened not to talk about it. This is for the girl who was sexually assaulted by her drunk father after he beat the mommy up. This is for the girl who was sexually assaulted by her uncle who offered her some candy and threats. For the girl who was sexually assaulted by her first boyfriend.
For the girl who was sexually assaulted by any other person in particular. For the girl who has been made to believe that her body is for the mere pleasure of men. For the girl who had to carry out an abortion because she was raped. For the girl who has been drugged at the bar. For the girl who has been humiliated by her boyfriend in front of her or his friends. For the girl who had to stick around in a toxic relationship. For the girl who has lost female friends because her life was going on good. For the girl who had to have sex to get that job, internship, nice car, nice house, school fees.
For the girl who didn’t get that job because she couldn’t comply to sexual advances. For the girl who had to take a night job to pay her bills. For the girl who had to work in uncomfortable attires and uniforms to make that money. For the girl who started her blog, created a YouTube channel, began and online shop and gone and extra mile to live.
This is for you. Woman. I would like to apologize to all the women I have called beautiful (as if beauty is something to be reminded and commended for) before acknowledging how exquisite, thrilling and strong they are. I want to apologize to all the women I have called pretty before i’ve called them intelligent or brave. I am sorry I made it sound as though something as simple as what you’re born with
is the most you have to be proud of when your spirit has crushed mountains.
From now on I will say things like you are resilient or you are extraordinary
not because I don’t think you’re pretty but because you are so much more than that. The world gives you so much pain and here you are making gold out of it; there is nothing purer than that. This is just a reminder to every woman that you’re such a star, you are unique in your own refreshing way.
This is for the woman who feels the need to be validated and affirmed. Let this be a reminder that you are enough and nothing can ever change that. You’re a precious piece of jewel that outshines every other piece. You are outstanding even when your efforts go unnoticed. You’re remarkable when nobody mentions it. Your body is a museum of natural disasters, can you grasp how stunning that is?
I see so many wonderful women every day. Both online and real life and it is hard to imagine that beneath this beauty lies layers of hurt, resentment, disappointment, heartbreak, loss and grief because these creatures look so elegant, dress becomingly, walk so gracefully, speak so softly, act so tenderly and smile widely. I mean it is so easy to love them, isn’t it? I appreciate every single woman in my life, whether I say it or not, I see you queens!! We all move forward when we recognize how resilient and striking the women around us are. Don’t we?
Dear women let us be our sisters keeper. Do not be the first one to criticize another woman because her eyebrows are not perfect, her clothes are secondhand, her hair is unkept, her phone is cracked or because she tripped on her heels, got a tight skirt, has a poor boyfriend, sticks in a toxic relationship, drops out of school, takes odd jobs, lives in the ghetto and so on and so forth. The society itself has enough misogynistic men and the least we can do is offer affirmation and shoulders to lean on. Woman you are loved.
Remember, Woman, you were born
life giver, miracle creator, magic maker.
You were born with the heart of a thousand mothers, open and fearless and sweet. You were born with the fire of Queens & conquerors, warrioress blood you bleed.
You were born with the wisdom of sages & shamans, no wound can you not heal. You were born the teller of your own tale, before none should you kneel.
You were born with an immeasurable soul reaching out past infinity.
You were born to desire with passion, abandon, and to name your own destiny.
Remember, Woman, remember
you are more than you can see.
Remember, Woman, remember
you are loved endlessly.Remember, Woman, your power and grace, the depth of your deep sea heart. Never forget you are Woman, divine,
as you have been from the start!
Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day. We can break the bias in our communities.We can break the bias in our workplaces.
We can break the bias in our schools, colleges and universities. Together, we can all break the bias – on International Women’s Day (IWD) and beyond.
Amazing article, thank you so much. May you always conquer.