An Open Letter To Every Hidden Woman Within.

Dear Woman Within,

You exist deep within every woman. You are the hidden card they use in trumping life's battles. The life of a woman is complicated and the complications vary. I learned early never to underestimate the strength of any woman. No matter how weak our dispositions, we all have a lioness, an Amazon warrior hidden underneath.

I might not be the most sisterly of women, but I have always wondered, sympathized and been emotionally a part of the plights of sisters everywhere. Everything you've gone through, all your experiences, good and bad all come together to make you the wonderful being that you are today.

We stand tall not because we haven't had our share of embarrassing situations, but despite them. We keep going not because we never fall but because we rise after every fall. We withstand the pain of all life throws our way. We pick ourselves up and start to climb again. In today's world, it's still not very easy being a woman. Women are still being disrespected and underrated no matter how much we've proven ourselves. That we can stand in the same places our men counterparts stand.

Women are still being abused, raped, used, dominated and so much more. Every day, my heart bleeds for what women still have to face. I hear some stories and my heart trembles within me. I wonder the kind of cruelty a man has to possess to promise you his heart and his love...to vow before God and man to love, protect and provide and turn around and do the exact opposite. What is one to do when one's protector turns into ones tormentor? Who do you turn to then?

I see your pain dear woman...but I also see your strength! You might have been battered, broken, pushed down more times than you got a helping hand...but still you rise...you survive. And you will continue to. And one day...you will overcome.

To every woman within that gives the woman without the courage to fight on, I say thank you.

And to every abused woman out there, every victim of one form of violence against women or another, thank you for surviving. Thank you for not giving up on yourselves. Remember, weeping may endure for the night but joy comes in the morning! Keep on fighting! Never give up!

With love,

Adupeola