Seka challenges traditional gender roles when it comes to the important task of building peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Nothing lasting or permanent can ever be built without women.”
A woman, in general, is a person of value in African society. It is thanks to her that society has been built. It is our duty to make women understand that even though we suffer from being subjected to prejudice, we must, like men, be concerned with the security issues all around us.
Men also need to work together with women in order to maintain security and keep the peace. Women should be included in any security process. We cannot ignore that women are real agents of change in society.
As women, our participation is indispensable to the establishment of any true and lasting peace. By nature, we have a heart that is compassionate to the sorrows of others. We hope for things to go well for others. Women often see things in finer detail while men see things from a general perspective.
However inferior the status of the woman may appear, she represents the nation. Nothing lasting or permanent can ever be built without women.
It is obvious that the starting place for action is in the family. Women are the departure point in society, the point at which all things begin.
In our tradition, it has always been said: "Everyone owes a debt to their father and twice the debt to their mother." There is a Peuhl poet who says, “With a woman nothing works, but without a woman—all is lost.”
Women are not unfit to do this or that in society. It is only custom that holds women back. I invite women to become aware of the chasm into which our customs have thrown us. We must rise up to play our own roles.
As they say, “What a woman wants, God also wants.” I say to each of you now: Women, educate yourselves. Have the wherewithal to make security decisions for yourselves. Take your place alongside men to bring peace into the world.
* Translated from French by Nana Nash
STORY AWARDS
This story was published as part of the Future of Security Is Women digital event and is sponsored by our partner Our Secure Future. World Pulse runs Story Awards year round—share your story with us, and you could be our next Featured Storyteller! Learn more.
Hi Seka,
Great job receiving the story award, dear. I'm glad your strong voice is being heard!
Thank you very much, Jill, I'm grateful to you for your encouragement. Yes, my voice is heard, It is amazing!
Be blessed!
Seka
You're very welcome, dear:-)
I'm grateful to you for the work that you are doing! Well done!
You, too:-)
Beautiful piece - thank you for sharing. I love your line "women are the point at which all things begin." There is so much power in recognizing our role in the world - and our role in building a more peaceful world.
Dear Dawn,
I am delighted to have spoken to a heart. Thank you very much for your attention. God bless you.
Seka
Dear Aunty Seka,
Congratulation on being a featured story teller :-)!
Thank you my sister Salifu. We are together.
Seka
Hi Seka
I am greatful with your award sister for you stood up for the women thanks and congrats dear
Thank you my sister Edith,
It is a joy for each one of us because we are one family. You're welcome.
seka
Dear Seka, time for us to break out from the bondage of custom but most women do not buy into our idea. i know that continuous education and enlightenment will surely make us see the reason to arise and drive our future and that of our children.
thank you for sharing and congratulations for making the award.
Thank you my dear for the compliments. We hope that with time our truth will eventually triumph. Be blessed!
Seka
good to know we all think alike on this
Thank you to read it!
Qu'elle histoire avec une message si forte et plein d'encouragement.
Thank you for sharing what the poet says although I don't get it when he starts by "with a woman nothing works..." lol
Anyways, your post makes me think of Meghan Markle's speech at the UNWomen when she said if men aren't inviting us to the table, we set our own table. That's my approach in life, giving myself permission to say it loud and clear.
Congratulations for getting the award
Hello Marie!
Well said! World Pulse is our table! We are all invited to participate.
God bless you!
Seka
Women are indeed the departure point in society where all things begin.
It is important for women voices to be heard. Beautiful piece.
Félicitations Soeur Seka. Beacoup du Courage.
Thank you very much to encourage me. I like so much WP because I am connected to the women's world. Together is one!
All the best!
Seka
Congratulations, Sis Seka! I join you in your call, "Women, educate yourselves". Knowledge is power.
Dear Karen,
I thank you so much to join me, I am encouraged to continue to fight for woman. I like your posts too.
Be blessed my dear.
Seka
Oh thank you for reading, too. sis Seka. World Pulse is my place breath. Keep posting, too!
Thanks!
Congrats I admire your words, the award lifts you high, more grace to your elbow, with love.
What to say? May glory return to God my daughter!
Seka
Am overwhelmed. Congrats mum
Thank you my daughter!
Great piece Seka.I greatly agree with you that women''s role in maintaining peace cannot be underestimated.
Thank you Evelyn to encourage me. Be Blessed!
Amazing..keep up the good work
Be blessed my dear,we are together.
yes we are
Thanks! Together, we are going up!
Great job, congratulations
Thanks to you ! I love WP'members!
Wow! Ravie de voir mon drapeau, je me suis dit "quelqu'un de chez-nous"! Comme j'aimerais vous voir de près! Puis-je savoir votre adresse?
Merci et au plaisir
Seka
The statement is really true "Nothing lasting or permanent can ever be built without women". Nice piece!
You are welcome dear Berlotte
Thanks
Seka
You are such a braveheart, Seka! More power to you, my sister!
Happy to hear you again. With WP all thing must change even my heart.
sisterhood
Seka
Congratulations Seka,
Keep sharing your story, women must be heard! We must take our place to bring peace to the world for sure!
cheers
Yes Juliet, it is our goal to bring peace in our world.
Thanks!
Seka
Dear Seka,
What a powerful call to action, and a reminder that "We cannot ignore that women are real agents of change in society". Together we are challenging custom as it is repeated today. It is hopeful that old sayings are still repeated that respect the value of women. It is the perspective and generosity of heart that we have to offer, that is missing and so needed in all of our countries. I hope your strong message travels far and wide.
Dear Tam,
We are comforted that our voices are beginning to be heard. We hope things will not stay the same as long as we continue to scream. However, we need to know the right way to do it. Please stay by our side as you do (our elders in the WP).
In sisterhood
Seka