Because I am a girl,
I have no rights.
I have no say.
I lived in a home called Africa,
Mama told chief to have my sex organ removed one day.
The pain was severe, the pain was terrible.
But I couldn’t shed a tear,
Because mama’s and papa’s reputation is at stake.
All the villagers were present that very day
To watch me make my mistakes.
And I just turned eleven that day.
Because I am a girl,
I was afraid.
I was worried.
I lived in a home called India
I was raped one day.
The stranger used the word “seduced”.
I don’t understand.
I was innocent.
But my voice was left unheard.
Papa said I brought shame to the family.
He said honor killing would be done on me.
I don’t understand what it meant.
And I was just sixteen that year.
Because I am a girl,
I had no choice,
I had no hope.
I lived in a home called Ethiopia
I heard my brother reciting “a”, “b”, ”c” one day.
I was curious.
I was eager.
Papa gave me a stinging slap across my face.
Mama said I should stay home,
To sew, to cook, to wash.
Husband is what I am waiting for, she said.
And I was just eighteen that year.
Because I am a girl,
I understand.
I care.
I live in a home called Singapore,
I am blessed.
With freedom, with education, with justice.
I am fortunate but upset,
For my other fellow females around the world.
I want to help them,
To help them find a better world.
To fight against discrimination,
Because I am a girl.
