Power of a woman: Her pain

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oh, women’s power, a shining light

Dispelling darkness, banishing the night

Misogyny’s chains, we’ll break with might

And rise, united, in morning light.

Feminism lifts our spirit high

Empowering us, as we touch the sky

Against inequality, we’ll deny

Baises and lie, and personal vanity.

But power brings great responsibility

To use our voice, for humanity

Some misuses it, twisting reality

And betray the principle of justice

For selfish gain, and personal vanity.

Yet, we won't be discouraged or cold

For every wrong, there’s a right to hold

We’ll stand together, young and old

And fight for justice, brave and bold.

Femicide, a daily, deadly sin

Killing women, female child within

A daily activity for psychopaths

Rapist, criminal with no fears of being caught

No woman’s safe, knowingly and unknowingly

Watched every second, hours, minute, year, day

Victims fallen, women and female child lost

Some identified, some unknown

Families searching, mothers seeking

Daughters waiting, sisters grieving alone

Unaware of their doomed fate

Tortured, enduring pain and strife

Hoping for rescue, and a safer life

Cried their last, took their last breath

Trashed away, far from sight

Decaying, no peaceful rest

No final goodbye, no last glance.

Break the silence, shatter chains

Empower each other, unite, sustain

Rise, resist, and never be tamed

Psychopaths', rapists, murderers with no fear to win

Must face justice and never grin

Government, heed our call!

Protect our rights, ensure safety!

For we are women, and our spirit’s reclaimed

For we are women who unite, stand tall

For every victim, we’ll fight!

Rest in peace, dear ones

Honoring the Legacy of African Women

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However, it’s essential to acknowledge that the narrative of feminism and women’s empowerment is not universally in Yoruba and other cultures, have a rich history of leadership, empowerment, and valued roles in society.

Long before the white could lead, many African women were leaders. From Dahomey to Yoruba to Hausa, women held positions of power and authority. In Yoruba culture, the Iyalode was a revered title held by women who played crucial roles in the monarchies.

Queen Amina of Zaria, also known as the warrior queen, was the first woman to rule an African Kingdom for over 30 years in the 16th century. Orompoto, the first female Alaafin of Oyo, led the Oyo Empire between 1554 and 1562. These women, along with many others, are testaments of strength and agency of African women.

The value of the female child in Yoruba land is priceless, symbolized by the return of the bride price to the husband’s family, signifying that the bride is not being sold like slave. This cultural context highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the diversity of experiences and cultural backgrounds.

SOME NOTABLE AFRICAN WOMEN WHO FOUGHT FOR JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND PIONEERING WOMEN IN THE ARTS

. Queen Njinja of Ndongo and Matamba (1583–1663), who resisted Portuguese colonization and fought for the rights of African women.

. Buchi Emecheta (1944–2017), a Nigerian novelist who about the experiences of African women, including her own struggles in a toxic marriage.

. Yaa Asantewaa (1840–1921), a Ghanaian queen mother who led the Ashanti Rebellion against British colonial rule.

. Liya Kabede, an Ethiopian model and actress who has used her platform to advocate for women’s health and education.

. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (1900–1978), a Nigerian feminist and activist who fought for women’s right and independence.

. Miriam Makeba (1932–2008), a south African singer and civil rights activist who used her music to speak out against apartheid and sexism.

CONCLUSION

The Power of a women: Her pain is not just a poem, but a call to action. It’s a reminder that women’s empowerment is not a new concept, but a continuation of the struggles and triumphs of African women throughout history. By honoring the legacy of these women, we can draw strenght and inspiration to keep fighting for justice, equality, and human rights. These women, and many others like them, have shown that it’s possible to overcome even the most daunting challenges. They’ve proven that women can rise above toxic marriages, violent societies, and discriminatory systems to achieve greatness. Their stories serve as a testment to the power and resilence of women everywhere. May their legacies continue to inspire and empower us to fight for justice, equality, and human rights.