In the heart of a bustling city, there was a modest cafe adorned with vibrant artwork and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. It was here that Maya, a young writer with a passion for storytelling, found solace amid the chaos of her daily life.From a tender age, Maya was captivated by stories—tales of adventure, resilience, and triumph. But as she grew older, she realized that the stories she heard were mostly about men—heroes and adventurers whose exploits filled the pages of history books.Most of the books on the shelves were penned by men, their narratives dominating the literary landscape.

Determined to change the narrative, Maya embarked on a journey to uncover the untold stories of women in her community. She spent hours listening to the elders, recording their memories and wisdom. She sought out the voices of the marginalized—the farmers, the artisans, the mothers—who had long been overlooked and silenced.She sought out women from diverse backgrounds, eager to share their experiences and perspectives with the world.

As Maya sipped her latte and scribbled notes in her worn journal, she couldn't help but notice the lack of female voices in the literary world. 

Determined to change the narrative, Maya embarked on a mission to uncover the hidden stories of women—tales of courage, resilience, and empowerment. 

 From the bustling streets of the city to the quiet corners of rural villages, Maya listened intently as women recounted their struggles and triumphs. There was Maria, a single mother who had overcome adversity to build a successful business. There was Fatima, a refugee who had fled war-torn lands in search of a better life for her family.

Maria’s story goes thus;

Growing up, I never imagined that life would be such a struggle. But as a woman trying to make ends meet, I soon realized the harsh realities of the world. From a young age, I was taught the value of hard work and perseverance, but no amount of determination could shield me from the challenges that lay ahead.

One of the biggest struggles I faced was the burden of financial instability. As a single mother, I was responsible for providing for my children on a limited income. Every day was a balancing act—juggling bills, groceries, and childcare expenses, all while trying to put food on the table and keep a roof over our heads.

Another challenge I faced was the lack of access to affordable healthcare and childcare. Without adequate insurance or government assistance, I often had to choose between paying for medical expenses or putting food on the table. And finding affordable childcare was nearly impossible, forcing me to rely on unreliable and often unsafe alternatives.

But perhaps the most crushing challenge I faced was the stigma and shame associated with poverty. Society often viewed me as lazy or incompetent, failing to see the countless hours of hard work and sacrifice I put in just to survive. And as a result, I felt silenced and invisible—unable to speak out about my struggles for fear of judgment and condemnation.

I longed for a world where women like me could thrive, where our struggles were acknowledged and our voices were heard. But until then, I would continue to fight—to make ends meet, to provide for my family, and to reclaim my dignity and worth.

Inspired by their stories, Maya set out to create a platform where women could share their own narratives and reclaim their voices. She launched a blog, inviting women from around the world to submit their stories and poems, their art and essays.

Sofia’s story speaks volume;

   I was born into a world where my gender predetermined my path in life. From a young age, I was taught to be quiet, to be obedient, to be less than. But as I grew older, I began to realize the weight of these expectations—the barriers they placed on my potential, the silencing of my voice.

One of the core challenges I faced as a woman was the societal expectation of conformity. From the clothes I wore to the career I pursued, every aspect of my life was scrutinized and judged through the lens of gender norms. If I dared to step outside the boundaries of what was deemed acceptable for a woman, I risked facing ridicule, discrimination, and even violence.

Another challenge I faced was the prevalence of gender-based discrimination and harassment. Whether it was in the workplace, on the streets, or even within my own home, I was constantly reminded of my inferior status as a woman. I was passed over for promotions, paid less than my male counterparts, and subjected to unwanted advances and objectification.

But perhaps the most insidious challenge I faced was the internalized misogyny—the voice inside my head that told me I wasn’t good enough, that my opinions didn’t matter, that I should stay silent and be grateful for what I had. It took years of self-reflection and unlearning to break free from these toxic beliefs and reclaim my voice and my agency.

  Here is the stories of a remarkable African women who have made significant contributions to the world and her country:

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti 

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was a Nigerian educator, activist, and women's rights pioneer. Born in 1900 in Abeokuta, Nigeria, Ransome-Kuti was a trailblazer in the fight for social justice.

Ransome-Kuti was instrumental in the struggle for Nigerian independence from British colonial rule. She was a leading member of the Nigerian Women's Union, an organization that fought against colonial oppression and advocated for women's rights.

Ransome-Kuti's activism extended beyond Nigeria's borders. She was a vocal critic of colonialism and imperialism in Africa and a staunch supporter of pan-Africanism and African unity.

In addition to her political activism, Ransome-Kuti was also a champion of women's education and empowerment. She founded several schools and organizations dedicated to educating and uplifting Nigerian women, including the Abeokuta Women's Union and the Federation of Nigerian Women's Societies.

Ransome-Kuti's legacy continues to inspire generations of activists and feminists in Nigeria and across Africa. She is remembered as a fearless leader, a tireless advocate for social justice, and a pioneer in the fight for women's rights.

As Maya delved deeper into these stories, she discovered a rich tapestry of female narratives waiting to be told. There was also the story of Kamala, a midwife who brought new life into the world with compassion and grace. There was the tale of Leela, a weaver whose intricate designs wove together the threads of tradition and innovation.

As the blog gained traction, Maya found herself at the forefront of a burgeoning movement to redefine women's voices in the literary world. Women from all walks of life came forward to share their stories, breaking free from the constraints of traditional gender roles and societal expectations.

With each new submission, Maya felt a sense of empowerment and solidarity among women, united in their quest to rewrite the narrative and shape their own destinies. And as the blog grew in popularity, Maya knew that she had succeeded in her mission to amplify the voices of women everywhere.

In a world where women's voices are often marginalized and their stories overlooked, it's essential to ask ourselves: Who tells your story? For too long, the narratives of women have been overshadowed by those of men, their voices drowned out by the cacophony of patriarchal norms and gender stereotypes.

But now, more than ever, there's a growing movement to reclaim our narratives and redefine the way women are represented in the media, literature, and the arts. From grassroots initiatives to online platforms, women are coming together to share their stories, challenge existing power structures, and shape the narrative of their own lives.

One such initiative is Maya’s blog, a space where women from around the world can share their experiences, perspectives, and creative expressions. Through storytelling, poetry, art, and essays, women are reclaiming their voices and asserting their presence in a world that too often seeks to silence them.

From tales of triumph over adversity to reflections on identity and belonging, the stories featured on Maya’s blog are as diverse and multifaceted as the women who share them. And with each new submission, the blog becomes a testament to the power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and empower.

So the next time someone asks, "Who tells your story?" remember that your voice matters. Speak your truth, share your experiences, and know that by telling your story, you are not only shaping your own narrative but also contributing to a larger movement for social change and also you are shaping the future for woman everywhere.

#WM2024