Dear MAN – My name is Laila

My name is Laila.
Laila who?
It does not matter!
I am the girl you see on the bus;
I am the girl you see in the street;
I am your neighbor;
I am your friend;
I am your cousin;
I am your sister;
I am your mother;
I am your wife;
I am your daughter;
I am the girl you never really saw;
I am the girl you do not know!
Call me Laila!

Dear MAN,

Listen to me for once! Read between my lines! Your offences against me and every Laila are countless:

1) Grieving when I was born a little girl
2) Locking me up when I was growing up
3) Covering me up when I became a woman
4) Mutilating my genitals
5) Obsessing over my body
6) Stifling my voice
7) Suppressing my needs
8) Denying me my rights
9) Ignoring my role in life
10) Harassing me on the streets
11) Punishing me
12) Hurting me
13) Neglecting me
14) Cheating on me
15) Abusing me and using me

… All because my name is Laila!

My dear MAN, I do not want to start a war between us. I am not calling for gender equality because I know that we are different. I understand that we have different roles in life – roles that complement one another! I want to have a place by your side. I wish we could work together on a better future for our sons and daughters. I hope they enjoy a healthier relationship and a stronger bond. Hand in hand – you and I – will create legends that will live an eternity to replace myths of the past that keep dragging us down. I am calling for a fresh start for both of us. I want you to help me put an end to our misery – yes my dear MAN we are both miserable! Please give me your hand. I need your voice. Remember my name. I am Laila!

Dear LAILA,

I wish I had a magic wand to unleash your powers. 
I wish I had a genie in a lantern that would make you shine and rise. 
I wish I had anything better, bigger, or stronger than my pen to reach you. 
I am neither a wizard nor a witch. 
I have no potions or spells up my sleeves. 
I am just another Laila!
Take things into your own hands; 
Fulfill the prophecy; 
You were born to be a diva;
A supreme creature with mystical powers;
You are the life bearer!
Get your life back!

Written in support of We're All Laila (Kolena Laila) initiative for empowering women.
http://kolenalaila.com/