“My body is not owned by the church or any religious institution, nor the government, nor my parents, nor the man that you identify as my husband. My body belongs to me.” ~ Kihek
This piece is dedicated to women all around. Often cultures construct beliefs and rules to restrict the lifestyle of a woman. And also her decisions. I hope that you see yourself in a different light. I hope that you learn to reveal who you are. This is also to encourage women to be fearless and bold. And how to manoeuver situations when things get tough. To see yourself as a victor rather than a victim.
And to all the men that have a woman in your life, whether it be your mom, aunt, or significant partner, show your support!
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A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
Enough money within her control to move out
And rent a place of her own
Even if she never wants to
Or needs to
Something perfect to wear if the employer
Or date of her dreams want to see Her in an hour
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
A youth she’s content to leave behind
A past juicy enough that she’s looking forward to
Retelling it in her Old Age
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
A set of screwdrivers
A cordless drill, and a black lace bra
One friend who always makes her laugh
And one who lets her cry
A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
A good piece of furniture not previously owned
By anyone else in her family
Eight matching plates
Wine glasses with stems
And a recipe for a meal that will make
Her guests feel honoured
A feeling of control over her destiny
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW
How to fall in love without losing herself
How to quit a job
Break up with a lover
And confront a friend without
Ruining the friendship
When to try harder
And when to walk away
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW
That she can’t change the length of her calves
The width of her hips
Or the nature of her parents
That her childhood may not have been perfect
But it’s over
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW
What she would and wouldn’t do for love or more
How to live alone
Even if she doesn’t like it
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW
Whom she can trust
Whom she can’t
And why she shouldn’t take it personally
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW
Where to go
Be it to her best friend’s kitchen table
Or a charming inn in the woods
When her soul needs soothing
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW
What she can and can’t accomplish in a day
A month
And a year
Written by Pamela Redmond Satran
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Kimberly Ihekwoaba 