08/03/2024
No Me. No World. Without Them
I just saw a post which says, "I wonder what a world without women would look like". I tried to imagine a womanless world but I just could't. I can't imagine a world without women. I wouldn't be who or where I am without the help of the women in my life.
I was raised by a strong woman, my grandma. Sweet, caring, disciplined, hardworking, brave and inspiring. I learnt a lot from her, more than I did from anyone. To some extent, I think my conscience sounds a lot like her. She took me in when I lost my dad and has showered me with love, ensured I never felt empty and corrected me when I was wrong. She is the perfect epitome of a strong African woman. Despite having many mouths to feed,she always found a way to provide. Seeing her achieve all she has, knowing how humble her background is, had been one of my biggest inspirations. A world without her? You must be kidding.
Another blessing I am grateful for is the opportunity of being raised in a house full of aunties, the fun-but-no-mess type of aunties. They supervised, advised, cautioned, taught, supported and protected me to ensure I didn't go astray. They have all, each in one way or the other moulded me into the man I am and as I have watched them evolved, I have learnt valueable lessons from them, each in one way or the other. A world without those incredible women? No I can't imagine that.
Stringing one or two sentences together, or even putting my thoughts together wouldn't have been possible without those teachers/lecturers who changed the game for me. There were times I doubted myself, they always coached me. Some made personal time for me. I don't consider them teachers, they are like second mothers in school who wants nothing but the best for me. They paid attention to me and made me feel loved. Some always referred to me, the toughest questions in class to keep me on my toes. Some of them gave me pep talks that fired me up to want to become better. Talks that made me realise my best wasn't enough. Some of them, I wasn't close to but I always admired their philosophy about life and what they stood for. Society would have been in disarray without those women. The nurses of our minds.
I can't explain how boring and difficult the world would have been without my female friends. Friends who are emotionally intelligent and are willing to listen. Friends who stand by me through thick and thin. These friends are the reason why I don't need to look further to realise women when given the resources and support can go on to achieve great things. They have challenged me, inspired me and cheered me on. Every one of them is offering a lot to the world and I hope the world will stop and notice.
And finally, My Mum. My superwoman. She is an amazing woman who made lots of sacrifices so that I will be the man that I am. She makes the world look more beautiful than it is, so I can't picture a world that doesn't include her. Her resilience, hopefulness and never say die attitude towards life has brought me this far. She is the best. She is both my mum and my dad. An incredible woman. The will be no me and no world without her.
Happy International Women's Day to all the amazing women in the whole world. I love you all.
PC: Plan international
