“The king may rule the kingdom, but it's the queen who moves the board.” D.M.Timney
On days like today it is important we use our voice in the right way. On this International Women's Day I’d like to mention the poet @ajamonet, thank the London branch of Loveshackfancy and note a special deputy headteacher's talk I listened to yesterday.
I attended Aja Monet's slam poetry performance as part of a benefit concert in London, raising money for Doctors Without Borders to support their work in Gaza, Congo and Sudan. Aja Monet is a revolutionary who uses her influence to rally peaceful warriors at demonstrations- she uses her creative voice to promote peace, love, joy and empowerment for the minority. I found her set extremely moving. It was so beautiful being in a crowd who came together as one to fight pain and conflict with love. I felt Aja Monet's passion and determination rippling through the air, pulsing through my body, inspiring my mind and igniting my soul. Thank you to the organisers Artists 4 Humanity and Brave Poets.
Thank you also to the London branch of Loveshackfancy for inviting me to a beautiful event in a stunning home to raise awareness and funds for ovarian cancer through a charity called Lady Garden Foundation. It was a gorgeous sensory experience of floral lights, fresh cut blooms, hand-iced sweet treats and silk floral dresses.
On a more personal note, yesterday I was invited to an IWD assembly at a UK school, and the deputy head Ms D gave an inspiring talk about her time before becoming a teacher, when she worked as a medic in areas of conflict around the world. It is inspirational women like Ms D who open the eyes of our children to see beyond the small pockets of our own societies and who motivate tomorrow's adults to work towards a much greater good than simply providing food for their own tables.
Here's to strong women. May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them. And may we fix their crown in their time of need without telling the world it was crooked.
Sending love, peace and light on IWD 2024.
Melissa x
