On International Women’s Day, our National Secretary, Fflur Arwel, decided to write something different.
[Feminist: A person who believes in the social, political and economic equality of the sexes]
They may have told you that you’re not good enough or that somehow you’re inferior. They may have told you who you are or tried to define you.
They are wrong.
Your body is yours. Your gender is yours. Your sex is yours. Your sexuality is yours. You exist on your own terms. Unconditionally, so.
And if they ever dare to tell you that you ‘asked for it’, and that somehow you were to blame, then repeat after me… ‘It’s not my fault.’
Own and love yourself unapologetically.
You are not your grades or your bank balance. You are not the size of your clothing or the number of people you may choose to sleep with. You will never be punished for walking your own path. Your choices are yours.
Learn the word ‘No’. Speak it, say it, and utter it freely.
You don’t have to be quiet. What you have to say is important. Respect, befriend and support others but do not allow yourself to be spoken over.
Ask questions and speak up.
Fight back.
Never let a man tell you who or what you are or decide your worth.
Only you can do that.
You can be strong, smart and sexy. You can be assertive and you can be ambitious. You can be clever and you can be cultured. You can be complex and difficult. You can be all of these things and more.
You are human, after all.
Your story matters. Your history matters. Learn it, own it, tell it.
You are not invisible. The world is yours too.
Demand equal pay. Demand respect. Demand education. Demand your vote. Demand attention and better working conditions. Demand safety on the streets and demand social welfare.
Demand your place in this world. Demand they listen. Protest. Scream.
You can run a country. You can be a mother.
You can be a leader. You can also work from home.
You can do science. You can do math.
You can write. You can win.
You can be anything.
Remember all the great women who came before you.
Remember that whatever you believe, wherever your roots are, whatever language you speak and whatever life you choose to lead…
You are a woman.
You are phenomenal.
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.”
Maya Angelou
