There has been some ideologies against the woman and her power. Growing up, I have seen many women contest for major leadership positions in Nigeria, and simply because she happens to be, well, 'a She', she loses.
It is unfortunate that up till now, still prevalent among many is the mindset that the only place a woman can execute Her power is in the kitchen and the other room.
A couple of months back during the #EndSars protest here in Nigeria, a woman, in the person of Aisha Yesufu, stood up for the youths who have been ridiculously molested, oppressed, embarrassed and extorted by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). During this period I began to have a shift in my beliefs of the potency of Her Power.
I understand that whenever a woman stands, she never stands for herself. She stands for others, for her family, for her offspring and the generations to come. And you know why? It's because she's a mother. She understands what her children will suffer if she decides to be selfish.
Aisha Yesufu, as captured in my sketch, is one of the co-founders of the Bring Back Our Girls Movement (#BBOG) who worked to rescue the schoolgirls kidnapped in Chibok, Nigeria by Boko Haram militants in 2014. She also stood boldly against the oppressing police personnel who harassed peaceful protesting Nigerians. Without hesitation, she stood boldly in the face of gun-wielding policemen declaring in both words and actions that she is not scared of dying any longer.
Such is the strength of HER POWER!
Dear Joshua,
It is the power of art and words that sheds light on such a heroic woman. Thank you for introducing her to our community and to the many of us that are not aware. It is important to share these moments with the world community. So that we can be supportive, encouraging and sympathetic to the plight of others. As long as we are in this world together the plight of others is "our" plight as well. Oppression is usually not less than a "stone's throw" away. Thank you for sharing.
Keep sharing...JoMarie
Thanks for this wonderful encouragement.
Thanks again... JoMarie
Thank you for sharing. This is an inspiring story. Everyone of us can demonstrate our power to help and protect the minorities.
May Almighty God bless all of you!
Amen,
Thanks for the beautiful comment.
Hello, dear Joshua,
Wow, thank you for sharing your artwork and for your powerful reflection. I love this so much, "I understand that whenever a woman stands, she never stands for herself. She stands for others, for her family, for her offspring and the generations to come. And you know why? It's because she's a mother. She understands what her children will suffer if she decides to be selfish."
May all young men in your generation share the same mindset you have. This world would be a better place if men think that way. Please keep writing and drawing and inspiring!
Hello Karen,
I'm glad you find my post worthy of read and the remark on my art work means a lot to me. I will keep writing, drawing and inspiring.
I look forward to reading more from you, dear brother. Yes, please do that!
Dear Joshua,
It touches me deeply in my heart that you are able and willing as a young man to give credit to the women you have met for the work that they are doing. You have a depth of understanding, love and respect, my dear young brother, that truly gives me hope. Like Karen, these words stood out for me, too. I understand that whenever a woman stands, she never stands for herself. "She stands for others, for her family, for her offspring and the generations to come". This is what so many men and boys need to understand. To keep a woman down is to prevent this love from forming the basis of society.
I wish you well, and an open path for your young wise voice to be heard and understood by many other men and boys.
Thanks so much Tamarack for finding time to stop by my post, your beautiful words of encouragement will keep me going.