"Maybe One Day..."

March has been Women’s History month and has also seen International Women’s Day and I have read a lot of stories that have made me feel proud of the incredible achievements of women. I’ve also been feeling angry about the continuing battle for equality and the basic human right for women to live without fear of violence.

As the month comes to a close, I wanted to give the final word to the girls who shared their hopes to change the world for girls in WriteUnite’s books. I am so impressed by their awareness of the all too often brutal and unforgiveable inequalities for women. Their resilience and voice to change the future is awe inspiring.

 Meryem, 10th Grade, Turkey

“Maybe one day at night,

When there are no lights,

You will not have to think twice about going for a walk,

Because men will not mock or block or stalk you.”

Ivory, 11, South Africa

“You’ve always imagined of looking like the girls in the magazines but you can’t? You don’t have to because a girl is beautiful no matter what because girls are beautiful and intelligent and what counts is on the inside. Girls don’t have to change for what people expect them to be, girls can be anything. They can be a lawyer, businesswoman, president, entrepreneur or a successful judge and even though sometimes women don’t earn as men, they can still be successful and change the world forever. Girls don’t have to change for how other people want them to look because changing the way you look sometimes can also change what’s deep down in your personality. Girls are perfect the way they are and don’t have to change for anyone to like them.”

Aida, 13, Brazil

“We live in a biased world

In favour of men

Where women are muted

And men highly reputed.

Black or white.

Straight or gay.

We are all equal.

Living in the same world today.”

Maria, 12, Brazil

“I believe women are just as strong as men and should be treated equally. Women and men, just the same thing, human beings. Nothing should differ us from men, not the amount of power, due to the fact that at the end of the day, we are all the same. Men and women should be given the same opportunities, such as being offered the same jobs, assuming the same skill level, being paid the same amount, assuming the same quality of work, and given the same ability to live a life free of fear and harassment.”