I AM HOMELESS IN MY HOMELAND

It is very sad that many women in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon live with constant fear of attack in the place they should feel the safest. Yet, sympathy is too often shown to their perpetuators instead of the victim. Indeed, some cannot bring themselves to believe that a citizen who appears to be an upstanding one will batter the other and at the end render them homeless, some orphans and some in frustration thinking with fear of the life they live.

I am homeless in my homeland. It all started like a joke when the crowd ran on the streets like goats and the men in boots (perpetuators) followed like dogs and I watched and laughed, for it looked like a street drama. Now I know not how to smile because my love ones are now memories and me homeless. My home has turned to ashes, the land is stained by the blood of my love ones and waters are too salty because they are filled with my own tears. I miss the sound of laughter, for all I hear is the “corn they pop” (I mean gun shots) on the streets. Tears can’t stop flowing from my eyes for I am homeless in my own homeland.

I am homeless in my homeland, the fear of me living in the bush day and night has pierced my heart and the thought of what I eat, what I wear and how protected I am leaves me in fear. We do need spaces as women to evolve, to make the world a better place and to realize the vision and dreams for women empowerment. This can only be done in a peaceful environment where battery against women is not possible.

I am homeless in my homeland, left alone in isolation and destitution. What a wicked world full of evil, violence, insults, torture and above all battery perpetuated on the women. I watch every day in pain and suffering as opportunities to change my society pass me by. How I wish I could turn the hands of time thus the saying “if all wishes were commands”. I watch my future and society crumbling before my eyes, but no voice, no strength and energy to do anything.

I am homeless in my homeland, watching my friends go to school and working makes me jealous. I feel like killing myself, but God’s word gives me hope to keep trusting Him for He is a God of possibilities. My destiny which God reserved for me has been thwarted and altered by the evils and manipulation of man. In this destitute situation one phrase consoles me “With God all things are possible”.

As fresh and green as the grass which surrounds me, is a future I dream where all my wishes, desires and aspirations will become reality.