Thread by @ParentsAcross

We are women:

As women, we’ve been taught to mind our language, lower our voices, be kind.

I remember being 10 years old and a grown man slapping my behind.

I lowered my eyes & swallowed my fear, hoping if I was quiet, he would just disappear.

As women, we’ve been taught to not antagonise, to not speak back to certain men.

I remember being 13 & kettled against a fence, a group of older boys grabbing me, I fought back in self-defence.

As women, we’ve been taught that our rights are second best.

I remember being 30 and giving birth to a baby girl. I looked into her eyes and laid her head upon my chest.

I made a vow that very day; I would NEVER allow her rights, her voice, to be taken away.

As women, we have been taught that our views & our concerns don’t always matter.

I remember being 40 & knowing I’d finally had enough of this patter.

As women, we have been taught that other people should come first.

Today, I say enough of treating women as though we’re cursed

We are not witches, or terfs, or cunts or whores.

We are women.

Our words won’t be silenced, our girls won’t be subdued. Our voices will ring loud and clear, above your whistles and boos.

#LetWomenSpeak #WomenWontWheesht