International Day of the Girl...I STAND!

Who are you standing for?

Today, October 11th, 2014 coincidentally is my nephews second birthday. He is an independent and adventurous child who "speaks" his mind and holds his own. He is already ahead of the game not having to envision dealing with the 2nd class status his age mates globally are dealing with. My role as an aunt is to contribute to his being raised as a boy who values girls, a young man who respects women, a husband who will see his wife as an equal, a father who will love his girl-child and boy-child the same, and most importantly a male advocate and global citizen fighting for social justice and freedom!

In his presidential proclamation, President Obama states "On International Day of the Girl, we stand with girls, women, and male and female advocates in every country who are calling for freedom and justice, and we renew our commitment to build a world where all girls feel safe, supported, and encouraged to pursue their own measure of happiness."

What is my reality? As I stand up as a girl standing up for other girls, I am free to breath, free to think. I did not have to put up a fight to get an education, and of May 15th 2014, I am a doctor. I have the freedom of expression, I can train for an upcoming half marathon running on the sidewalks and trails without fear for my life. My voice has been heard, and continues to be heard. 

I am treated as a first class citizen to the best of society's ability living in the United States, BUT I am still fighting for fair wages and to be treated as an equal at the table instead of dealing with sexual harassment in professional settings; BUT that is nothing in comparison to the fight of not wanting to be married off at the age of 9, not wanting to go through traditional rituals of female genital circumcision, not being able to go to school and be educated, falling prey to human traffickers, domestic violence, rape, my rights as a girl being violated every second, every minute, every hour, every day, every week, every month of every year! 

Enough is enough...this cycle has to end! A new day has to come to STAND UP, KEEP STANDING UNTIL THE PAST REMAINS THE PAST, THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE REFLECT A WORLD OF EDUCATED, EMPOWERED, ENLIGHTENED girls living up to their full potential!

Malala spoke and stood up and this week was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize! We too need to stand up in solidarity...She is my #SHE Hero

I stand with 50/50 Leadership

I stand with UN Women

I stand with DAWN (Diaspora of African's Women Network)

I stand with CASE (Coalition Against Sexual Exploitation)

I stand with AAUW (American Association of University Women)

i stand with ALARM (African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries)

I stand with Global Fund for Women

I stand with the daughters, sisters, aunts, mothers, grandmothers around the world

I stand as a girl who grew up

I stand up as a young lady finding my footing in the world

I stand as a future wife

I stand as a future mother

I stand as a mentor

I stand as a voice that will not be silenced

I stand because my sisters around the world need me to stand and KEEP standing!