Let me be me!

I see all of myself;
I am a woman. I am a mother. I am NOT a wife.
I am a doctor. I am a researcher. I am NOT a wife.
I am a graduate. I am a manager. I am NOT a wife.
I am Yoruba. I am Nigerian. I am NOT a wife.

People, no, the society sees me;
I am loose. I am irresponsible. I am NOTHING.
I am useless. I am foolish. I am NOTHING
I am bad influence. I am not worthy. I am NOTHING.
I am a stain. I am a shame. I am NOTHING.

How can you not see me for what I am, rather than what you expect me to be?
How can you choose to measure me against your standards, rather than just let me be me?
How can you judge me against your laws, rather than, love me for me?
How can you see a gift of immeasurably value and not cherish it?

Women, like men, should not be measured by their marital status or number of children rather by the value they can bring to the society.
But you can't get value if you don't nurture it.
Nigeria, give your girl children and women the empowerment and equality they need to create value in themselves.