As the World Celebrates Us...

Fellow women,

Today the world celebrates us. Give no thought to those who question why or those who say we are overrated. They have no idea of the strength within us, the one that has continued to see us through the struggles and challenges we go through.

We are women, and we are proud. We celebrate the strength and beauty that we personify. Let’s show the world the wonder we can become. As we celebrate our womanhood, let’s highlight our highs and lows, our laughter and tears. Let’s celebrate the complexity that is us.

Today, we must also show the world how unapologetic we are for not staying in the box, we just couldn’t, we belong to many boxes, not just one. We fought the fight, and we won the battle.

Let’s change the narration by reminding the world of the women who have gone before us. Let’s start from our undercover Ile-Ife queen, Moremi Ajasoro, let them all know why she can never be forgotten. Ask if they know of the part played by Ahmose-Nefertari in the defeat of the Hyksos who invaded and occupied Africa.

Today, we must remind the world of the warrior princess of Zaria. Tell them how Amina Sukhera helped Zaria’s trade. Let them also read of the brilliance of Hypatia. Have they heard that she was not just an outstanding mathematics genius? She also excelled in philosophy and astronomy.

The world must know that we stand on the shoulders of these women and others, so we have no time for self-pity for we are not underprivileged because of our womanhood. So today, we forget the stereotypes, we celebrate and make merry and then we take over the world one step at a time.

Kisses and hugs to the men who celebrate us, and to those who find no reason to, we will still celebrate you.