I am a woman – Laetitia Piers

South Africa’s #CurrentSituation is a global and on-going problem. Women (including girls) are being violated, killed and raped for just that – being a woman.

Everyone knows about someone, may it be a friend, family member, even ourselves that has been violated in this way or even killed by these monsters we call men. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying all men are monsters, I know a few men that I am proud to say are my role models. I strive to have a man like them in my children’s lives one day. ❤

I am a woman and I am afraid to do whatever I want – I have restrictions. I cannot dress the way I’d like because I don’t want to draw attention and as people say ‘give men a reason’ to violate me or approach me. A man’s view of women should change it all comes down to patriarchy, the workplace, SOCIETY in general.

To voice my concerns on this matter I decided to put it in a poem. I am in no way, form, or means a poet. These words have just repeatedly been in my head for the past week and I decided to put it on paper. As Anele Mdoda said it all starts with a discussion and talking about issues, it’s just a STEP in the right direction. So here goes;

I am a woman

I am a woman, I procreate life

I am a woman

I procreate life, but I am not appreciated

I am a woman

I am naturally beautiful, but I am not allowed to show that I am

I am a woman

Therefore, I should conform to society and cover up

I am a woman

Therefore, if I don’t conform I am giving men reason to violate me

I am a woman

Therefore, men have the right to show me unwantedly that I am desirable to them

I am a woman

Therefore, I am not allowed to enjoy walking alone at night

I am a woman

Therefore, I am not allowed to enjoy travelling alone

I am a woman

Therefore, I feel oppressed

I am a woman

Therefore, I don’t like being who I am

I am a woman

Therefore, I am raped

I am a woman

Therefore, I am killed

I am a woman

Therefore, I should be submissive to a man

I am a woman

Therefore, I should protect my man

I am a woman

Therefore, I cover up my wounded body and soul

I am a woman

Therefore, I will never be equal in a man’s eyes

I am a woman

Therefore, men feel they have a right to my body

I am a woman

I am woman, I procreate life

I am woman

#RaiseAwareness #STOPViolenceAgainstWomen #SouthAfricasCurrentSituation

It starts with YOU. Women out there should start supporting each other stop criticising each other. Some girls are being raped on a daily basis, but are too afraid to speak up because of they afraid they might be blamed for it. Listen, be aware this is real life!

I am very passionate about this and I hope that this will help a little girl or a woman out there. Far-fetched I know, but it’s a step in that direction.

Bye for now.

 

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