I CAN BE PRESIDENT

 

I told Mama I can be president; she laughed and said: " you are a kid"

I told Papa about my dreams; he told me not to forget I am a girl

Does my gender impose a limit on my dreams in any way?

I stayed up all night to read, Uncle told me with a sad look: "you are ambitious, I wish you came as a boy"

Society told me: " your dreams end within the four walls of the kitchen"

My dreams are unforgettable!!!

Papa arranged to give my hand out in marriage; he said I was being rebellious

I promised myself to give my children full support in achieving their dreams since mine seems impossible

Got back to school and Aunty told me: "I believe in your dreams, if your dreams don't scare you then they are too small"

I told Papa if he wants me to die fulfilled then he should support my dream

So begins the journey to fulfilment.

I have a voice and I will use it

I wasn't given life only to belong to someone else; I belong to me

The virtuous woman had a Life and managed her Home

Her dreams were beyond the four walls of the kitchen.

This is the moment when a girl and a girl and millions of other girls say with a loud voice: Being a girl is our strength, our sanctuary and not our pain.

This is the moment when our rising no longer scares us

To all women out there who had dreams beyond what the kitchen could contain and went for it; leaving us with no excuse for mediocre living: 

Thank you for making us proud

We love you.

#THE MIRROR

©️ Adeniyi Damilola Toyin