They told me I shouldn’t laugh loud, because it entices men.
They told me my skirt would excuse rape.
When I defended my rights, they called me a slut.
But a man is still respected despite raising his hand,
Despite marrying a girl who is barely fourteen.
I don’t have the right to dress as I please,
Because it will “lead men astray,”
And court will say I wanted it.
My body is still considered a piece of meat,
Made only to satisfy men.
But I am not responsible for anyone else’s behavior.
I am not here for your pleasure.
I am here to live my life.
They tell me where to go and what to do
Because they want to “protect” me.
Why don’t they “protect” my brother?
Not all superheroes are male.
I can protect myself too.
And if you are worried about me,
Teach my brother and his friends
To not act like hungry wolves
When they see a woman walking down the street.
If you treated me and my brother the same,
I would never need protection.
If you treated us the same,
The world would be a better place;
A place where feeling secure and loved
Would be for both of us.
This world could be a place where
All our daughters breathe freely and play without fear.