#BOLDFORCHANGE

 
I am writing for and to the womyn who are doing the work of educating; online, in classrooms, in their small groups, in big and small ways. This is for you who don’t  get the loud acclaim, whose efforts are sometimes ignored but whose influence is vital in our fight for womyn’s full humanity. I hope that I will remind you to keep on keeping on. I want you to know that you are important and that your voice; whether loud or in whispered tones goes a long way in creating the change we want to see.

• Your anger is justified!

“But anger expressed and translated into action in the service of our vision and our future is a liberating and strengthening act of clarification, for it is in the painful process of this translation that we identify who are our allies with whom we have grave differences, and who are our genuine enemies.” – Audre Lorde
So yes, you have every right to be angry. I am often angry too and your anger can be a powerful tool you can use to fight the system. Channel your anger! Patriarchy and by default it’s gatekeepers will warrant your anger and then later tell you it is unnecessary. Do Not Listen. Shut out the trolls, but sometimes, clap-back too.

• “Be you, love you. All ways, always.” -Alexandra Elle

I am sure by now you’ve had a few come at you and in the future, you’ll have to deal with a lot more and perhaps a lot worse than the bullies you’ve encountered so far. My advise is – do not forget to take a few deep breaths each morning. Love yourself. I know that sometimes this is easier said than done but practice self care and self love; spoil yourself a few times, meet a great girl or guy and let them spoil you, buy a few good books and lipsticks too. After all, ” what is the point of the revolution if we can’t dance?”

• The sisterhood.

“Any woman who chooses to behave like a full human being should be warned that the armies of the status quo will treat her as something of a dirty joke. She will need her sisterhood.” – Gloria Steinem
There have been many dark days I would not have made it through without my sisters holding my hand. Forget all the stereotypes you have been told about womyn friendships! Create for yourself a little community of likeminded people to share, laugh, learn and unlearn with. On those days when it is all too much, it is important that you have people who will come out swinging for you.

• Practice intersectionality.

“It means understanding that different kinds of oppression are interlinked, and that one can’t liberate only one group without the others. It means acknowledging kyriarchy and intersectionality – the fact that along different axes, we’re all both oppressed and oppressors, privileged and disprivileged.” ― Shiri Eisner
You must be able to feel each other’s pain. You must look at difference not as a threat but as an opportunity for collaborative change. You must be cautious and deliberate enough to ensure that as you fight against one injustice, you’re not guilty of perpetuating another.

• Finally, Be Bold For Change.

“Minister to the world in a way that can change it. Minister radically in a real, active, practical, get your hands dirty way.” – Chimamnda Ngozi Adiche  
You have the power to effect change. It doesn’t have to be loud, it can be small gradual change that begins with your little circle or workspace and then trickles down but in whoever way you decide to minister, do it radically and unapologetically.
I do hope misogyny had the good sense not to rear it’s head for a least one day and that you enjoyed your Womyn’s Day Celebrations.