“Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women.” –Maya Angelou
Photo by Monstera on Pexels.com On March 23, 2022, the first school year here in Afghanistan, I was excited about returning and eagerly looked forward to seeing my classmates and teachers again. I along with other students showed up bright and early only to find the doors closed and armed Taliban guards. My heart sank. …
Continue reading "No Education Leads to Risk of Child Marriage"
PHOTO PROMPT © Ted Strutz She looked at the water longingly. Should she do it? The temptation was overwhelming. Gripping the rail, she imagined how she would do it. It had to look like an accident. Then, she remembered, “…never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God, for he has said that he will repay those …
For over 30 years, Futures Without Violence has been providing groundbreaking programs, policies, and campaigns which empower individuals and organizations working to end violence against women and children around the world. It is a health and social justice nonprofit and its mission is to "heal those among us who are traumatized by violence today – and …
I screamed but no one heard me. They couldn't. My screams were silent--inside. I screamed because my husband dragged me across the floor over to the bed where he raped me. He had raped me before. The first time he did, I got pregnant but miscarried. When I told my parents about the first rape, …
"Felt and bobbles." Mats looked at Abi. "Pardon me?" "It's a topic I'm thinking posting on my blog--felt hats vs bobble hats. I'm curious to see which most women prefer." "Why would that be an interesting topic?" "Well, women are interested in fashion and I thought it would be fun to do a post on …
"What comes to mind when I say, moon scraped knuckles and knocking knees?" Mats shook his head. "Nothing off the bat. Is it the name of a song, a poem, a movie?" "It's a name I'm thinking of giving my blog." "You have a blog?" "Not yet but I'm thinking of creating one on WordPress." …
Image by Plan Canada If you were the parent of a 15 year old girl, would you give your permission for her to marry? Most likely not. Yet in Niger, many girls under 18 are getting married with their parents’ permission. These girls face life of abuse and they are forced to give up their …
He was on the beach. It was a beautiful afternoon. The sun felt good on his face as he gazed out at the sea. It was after 4. In an hour he would see Ife. Ife. Right now he wished she were there with him. They would walk along the water's edge, holding hands before …
My name is Folani. At the age of 16, I was forced to marry the man who raped me so that I wouldn't bring shame on my family. He wanted to marry me but after I rejected him, he raped me. I told my my mother what he had done to me and she insisted …
Leave your fatherless children, I will preserve them alive - Jeremiah 49:11 Usually before I retire for the night, I check on my son. I make sure he's nicely tugged in. He has a home. He has his own room. He doesn't have to take the bus to school. His Dad drives him there. He doesn't …
Notes to Women 