In commemoration of International Women's Day, 2010!

Well, Monday 8th March next week is International Women's Day and my heart's got so much to say about women, to the women.
In as much as we may have so many things to celebrate about being women, we must not forget that we have so much negatives to deal with, on a daily basis...we still have a long way to go in terms of ensuring that all our needs and rights are addressed in every way possible!
We may have to tighten our fists or scream out loud (if we have to) for some of the emerging issues we need attended to as a matter of urgency! My heart goes out to every woman from every part of the world, living in this day and life......!
This year's theme for the International Women's Day is, "Equal Rights, equal opportunities : Progress for all" and it is in this context that my poem below is structured.
Here's a poem I just wrote...to the WOMAN who's proven herself strong...who will someday... eventually emerge under the covers, rise and take her rightful position on mother earth!
This poem is for you and I hope you like it! Your comments and suggestions are appreciated! I love you!

Read on:

You special woman!

I honor you one most patient
One that withstands all tests
One that suffers from one patriarchal system through to another…..
One who still manages to fight through their plight

One who bore me
Nurses and tends to we
Is there and cares and we…
Disregard this great gift
One woman is another woman’s strength and source of inspiration
One who's been confined in the kitchen
One intelligent and wise
But one whose rights are constantly trampled on and abused
One who labors even in hardship torn
One who holds up her family
One who is human and tires just like every body else
One who has remained vulnerable
One who will at one time or another die each minute from complications resulting from pregnancy, abortion, childbirth.
While someone arrogantly makes decisions on her behalf?
Has she no voice
Or is it remotely muted?

I honor you, special woman
One who suffers rape, sexually harassed at work
Denied a job if they don’t give in to sexual pleasure
But when all this is revealed, then they are branded the ‘WHORES, PROSTITUTES…..immoral
One who has to undergo the ‘cut’ to be ‘woman enough’
One who experiences discrimination for whatever reason be it sexual orientation and gender identity, race, colour, tribe you name it!
One who gets married off to stubborn, rich, old men against your wish
One who constantly experiences abuse in marriage but remains ‘mum’ for the children’s comfort and well being.
One whose violators are never brought to justice
One who is abandoned to struggle and be the sole bread winner of her children
One whose progress is downplayed.
One who is looked at as a social misfit
One whose sanity is in doubt
One who constantly needs beating to put their "nuts" back in place!

I honor you woman
One whose rights are disregarded
One whose predicament I may have left out...
One whose overall advancement toward gender equality has been uneven and very slow
But one who needs empowerment like never before!
One whose powerful voice resonates through the dark corners of humanity
One who has the capacity to make a real difference in the world for years to come

I honor you special woman…
One who is fighting for her rights
One who is asking for opportunities
One whose progress is paramount

You special woman!