I Am a Woman Rihana Said

I am a woman. And I wish I could say this doesn't cause me fear, although let's make it very clear: I am not weary of my body or what it's been through. Or what “they” might do.

I am a woman.

Who's trying to deal with the random men on the street who contradict me, who ask, “where's my smile at baby?” or “You got that hug for me?” I hold my chin up with a grin for him and walk-in for his hug, as slow as cold molasses, with the fear I'm gonna end up in a casket, and if I try to run I can't be beaten because men are naturally bigger, stronger and faster. But it doesn't matter if you’re a thug on the street or a white man who works on wall street—you all want one thing from me because—

I am a woman.

Who has her unique styles and preferences? I want to be able to go out wearing what I love without fearing the consequences of a man's peering eyes, and they make dress codes to protect our children from being sexualized. LIES. Our shoulders are out, and our chest is bare, and we get the consequences.

How is that fair? Being a gender I didn't pick, and dealing with the discrimination because—

I am a woman.

Why do you shame me for that? Being a woman doesn't make you less of a person, nor does it make me your “prey.” I have the right to feel safe walking around regardless of what I may not or may be wearing, or what I may or may not say, or what I may or may not do. No means No. I don't want you to control whether or not I have children, or what I do as a career, or what I can handle, or who I LOVE; it's my choice simply because—

I AM A WOMAN. Yes I am.

BUT I'm also HUMAN. JUST like YOU.

And all women deserve to be treated with the same respect that men do too. Because regardless of gender or race, each and every one of us has the right to… feel safe.

Rihana Said, Grade 10 Rochester STEM Academy, Rochester Teaching Artist: Frank Sentwali