Photo essay
To the Women -
unable to have a voice because her vocal chords have been crushed
for so many years,
I write to you.
To the Women -
Who walk in strides long enough to cover fields
hoping to get home quicker than humanly possible.
Looking over their shoulder,
Keys grasped in between fingertips,
Carrying pastel pink tins of pepper spray,
Clinging on to the only sense of control they have;
Cushioning their own defense with femininity.
Your safety is your right.
To the Sisters -
Who are told to watch the tone of their body,
Who are raised to overcompensate for the skin God graciously gave them.
Straightening and straining thick curls into thin strands,
meant to somehow represent their rooted professionalism,
As if everyone has not already set them up for undeserved failure.
I understand.
To the Achayot, Okhti, Bahan -
I am here to remind you that just because your family has raised you to believe
that because you worship a God, you can not be a goddess.
They could not be more incorrect.
I am here to remind you,
your culture and religion is not here to suppress you but to build who you are.
Your hidaruh is you.
Do not let people use it to suppress you,
to suppress the givers of the Earth
The stems of Humanity,
The future of our world,
I stand with you.
To the People -
Continuing this unhealthy abuse towards us.
I apologize not for those hurt by you
But that you are so hurt,
So threatened by the Divine Female Energy you must attack it.
I beg you
Get comfortable being uncomfortable
For we have done it for years.
To All Women -
Protect each other
Whether it affects you or not
Protect the 1 in 4 Muslim women attacked for wearing a hijab
Assaulted for identifying with their culture
Stand with the over 400,000 women raped and sexually assaulted a year
Stand up for the women making less than the average man for the same job
Use your voice to protect each other
For if only one of us thrives there is no point in the victory.
To the Women -
All Women
Everywhere
Remember we are how we treat one another
Our strength comes from one another
Gain awareness of the world
And find every way to make progress
No matter your color, religion, background, sexual orientation, or history
You are loved, accepted, and wanted.
I see you.
We see you, for all you are.
To the Women -
Who’s screams feel unheard.
I am here to listen.
I write to you.
13 | electriclitmag.com