I write to that girl child who has been tyrannized, beaten, and disfigured by culture and society.

I write to that poor girl-child who has lowered her standards to live by what society says is right.

I wish to deeply sympathize with that little girl who has been left vulnerable to suffer manipulation and abuse.

Dear African girl child, you are an embodiment of joy and grace, finely poised and polished. 

For when God created you, he made a speck of frills with a pinch of pretty pink. A soft touch of lace and a tender wink. Then he put some dimples in just the perfect spot and finally added a curl, with a smile, he said, “Oh yes! I created a girl”.

Even if society says your cleavage doesn’t make mouths drool, you are still wonderfully and fearfully made. 

Even if you have been deprived of divine grace, you shall still bless the human race.

For as long as your heart is pure and your soul is innocent, you are qualified to be a rose in that filthy garden.

To society, Awake!!! Salvage the burning truth that if you toss around, bright and barbarian, then you must know this straight and sound, that whatever goes around comes around. 

By Pensive potess: Gloria Zandile chipepa

Gloria is an 18yr old medical student from Zambia. She is a passionate volunteer who loves writing articles and poems.

Aim: The poem is meant to encourage every girl-child, to know that they can achieve anything, irrespective of their tribe, sex, race, physical appearance or opinions the society has.