Some of my most memorable reads..

Hey guys! I've wanted to do this for a while, so I figured now would be the perfect time to do it since we have officially finished our assignments.

I would love if you all could add to this list of amazing pieces that we've all read throughout our VOF journey. Here are some of my favorite (I have included the WP name of the authors at the end of the quote).

I have no problem with mockery. I have no problem with patriarchy. I have no problem even with traditional customs and beliefs. But I have a problem with people violating other people’s rights. When the media starts reporting the names of victims without any inch of respect and or consent from them, then it is guilty of contributing to the victim’s loss as incalculable as it is unnecessary. The media only adds to the victim’s feeling of shock, horror, sorrow, rage and disillusionment. - cscabrido

Here is a poem, to my sisters across the world,
I may not have experienced the feeling of being born into war.
I may not know enough of your lands, which to me, are all afar.
I may not have seen my country snatched out of my hands by another.
I may not have known what it feels in a place where no one could bother.
I may not know what it is like when your country remains in the throes of war year after year.
I may not know what it feels to be in a state of constantly enforced hurt, anger or even fear.
I may not have known how it feels to be forced to give up education because I am a girl.
I may not have any idea how it must feel to be forcibly veiled in a canvas furl.
I may have no idea of how it feels to see your society crumble,
I may have no idea what it feels to always face trouble.
I may have no clue.
That may be true.
But,
Dear Sister,
I have this blister,
Of pain at all that you – kirthijay

"A cousin in an unhappy abusive marriage stays put because it is culturally unacceptable for a woman to leave her husband's house. An unmarried friend decides not to further her education because an enlightened woman with high educational qualifications wards off potential suitors. I realised I knew very few women who had allowed their 'self' to thrive." - Petunia007

PulseWire gave me that comfort. Here there was a group of women, strong beautiful women that had voices. Everyone had been through trials of their own and yet we can all meet here and chat for a brief moment. Reading all of the other stories inspired me. Brought me to a much better place. - chargerrose7

"But I changed my mind! No! Not about joining. But about whom I want to be on this forum. At first I registered using my blogging pseudonym, but reconsidered. I want MY voice to be heard." - Aminah
Finally, we got to talk about their educational struggles wayback in primary school. This time, tears rolled as they recount their bitter experiences as children; battling between going to school, going to farm, and facing a wild class teacher who beats pupils indiscriminately. - Nakinti

All of a sudden, the head of their village turns up before them, and snatches their doll in a swipe. He chides the little girls and then tells them the harsh truth. This is no doll. It is a baby girl that was once alive. Run along, he tells them, or meet the same fate […] The part of the narrative of socio-economic growth that they do not realize is that educating a girl is the equivalent of educating the family. They do not realize that by igniting the fire of knowledge in a girl, they are creating a critical future: where their offspring and subsequent generations will enjoy the benefit of an education […] And yet, there are some pretty plants that grow through the concrete. They break the iron-fisted clamp of deprivation and make their way through” – kirthijay

Thanks to my doc
Funny rocks
Better than an apple-a-day
To keep harm at bay
Dollop of brainpower
Sprinkle of soul powder
Spoonful of bravery
Prescription for discovery…
Makes a courageous lady! – Stacey Rozen

My professional journey was never smooth. I am a rebel. I have struggled against discrimination. Opportunities are denied. Potential goes unrecognized. A dalit is merely a “quotawala” (slang used for the one who access reservation in education and jobs without having skill or potential according to non-dalits). – Bhavna

Someone said the richest places on earth are graveyards. This is because in them lie books that were never written, stories that were never told and great minds that were suppressed. – Precious M
When we were small,we learned how to start a fire by focusing sunlight through a magnifying glass. Sunlight alone, could not start the fire. It had to be focused through the magnifying glass. This basic principle reflects in the vision of our lives. It must be focused, to produce results. – Mukut