March 8 is internationally recognized as “International Women’s Day” (IWD), a day set aside to celebrate women and to increase the global “gender sensitivity” awareness.
Women are celebrated not because of their numerous strengths nor because they have no weakness. They are celebrated because they have blessed millions with their strength.
This year’s theme “Make It Happen” draws our attention to those many women climbing the corporate ladder while navigating issues of gender equality.
Sir James Bevan KCMG, UK High Commissioner to India recognized the strength of women when he, during IWD 2014, said “If there is a magic bullet for successful development it can be summed up in two words…educate girls.”
On a cold Monday morning it was announced that a girl child has been delivered.
You hear “Not even a boy? Nothing good can ever come out of her. Who will claim inheritance?”
This world, full of hatred and discrimination!
To them there was no added value.
Bringing up a girl child is like watering a neighbor’s garden.
A child ready to be pierced.
Ready to be sold out in early marriage.
A reflection of values and beliefs that are harmful to her person.
A good reason to be neglected and deprived.
But hear her!
“I am empowered and enabled with no fear… with a voice loud enough to say enough of harmful traditional and cultural practice”
That’s the voice of a woman.
She can shine if given the opportunity to contribute to the growth of her community. Such opportunities in businesses, politics, and all sorts of leadership involvements where her voice can be heard and her ideas and skills used.
Hey society!
Would you kindly stop and listen to her?
She’s hurt by some practices you hold dear.
Why should she be neglected?
How do you feel when she’s only seen as a weaker vessel yet carries millions in her care? A strong Creator made her too.
Why do you circumcise her even when you know it is harmful, destructive and risky?
Equal rights are here to stay
Would you please understand that intelligence is far better than gender.
Let us judge them not by the roles of their gender, but by the nature of their potentials.
Today creates awareness on the subtle effects and dangers of child marriage, female genital mutilation, sex selective abortion and above all gender discrimination.
As we celebrate women all over the world with the theme #Makeithappen let us appreciate the efforts of our mothers, wives, sisters and daughters
Let’s raise up the banner for women involvement and gender sensitivity in our homes, workplaces and offices.
#Celebratewomen #Makeithappen #Paintitpurple
Edima Frank is a gender rights activist and CrossRiverWatch Reporter. She writes from Bakassi.
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