2020 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY POEM - Gbemisola Oluwasina

Theme: I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights

Rights! What are they?

Women! How shall they be described?

The former; human liberties which like the blue of the sky have come to stay?

The latter; creatures to whom femininity is exclusively ascribed?

The contention bone hasn't changed,

The modern claim remains,

Men and women should be similarly ranged

In all things and never be subject to an unfair game.

Big question: can men and women be equal?

How practicable is this concept of equality?

Aren't we setting a grand stage for an avoidable brawl

Rather than talking more on equity?

Agreed; both have the right to work and live,

To express themselves and be well respected.

But, I wonder if we aren't pushing

A brick wall instead of working

To pass our opinions through wisdom's sieve.

Treat them fairly; don't set one against the other!

Help them learn to place value on one another.

Women don't need outrageous displays of power

To reach enviable peaks on life's tower.

Gentle is her influence, yet very conspicuous.

Asking her to lose her uniqueness; very injurious.

She doesn't have to be a man, but a WowMan,

A creature securely kept and tended in divine hold.

If women run the world, why then the fuss?

Why not show them they can excel

In whatever sphere they choose to focus?

Instead of leading a kind against the Creator to rebel?

I hope the point is well engraved in this work of art.

I'd rather be a FAIRminist, choosing a balance,

Because the All knowing had our interests at heart

At creation, and left us not to chance!