HearWord Naija in Amsterdam!

Hi People!

I hope everyone is doing fine. I know I have not been blogging for a very long time and to be honest, writing this blog post has shown me how much I actually miss it. In other words: I will be blogging more often!

In this blog post, I would like to share with you this amazing experience I’ve had. Last Saturday, a good friend an I went to a performance act called HearWord, by Nigerian women. #HearWord is a Nigerian expression that means to hear, but also to listen. The act is very touching as it is about the realities that women face. However, the beauty of th eplay is that even though it has an African, Nigerian, narrative, all women are able to relate to the situations. As said on their website, the play was focused on all the things in life that women come across that limit their potential for achievement, independence, decision-making and leadership. On top of that, they were also able to give perspectives across a variety of socio-economic levels. In other words: this was a true masterpiece.

HearWord Naija

Being African, I could relate most of the aspects that were being handled. Either directly or indirectly. Directly was mostly about the things that people tell you. Like for example, when you reach a certain age, people are constantly asking you “When are you going to get married?”. or when people actually not only expect you to marry, but as a woman also to cook, clean and bare children for your husband. Honestly, I do not believe that marriage is the greatest achievement in life.

controversial topics

Indirectly I could relate some topics to the people that I have met when I was in Senegal or even people in my family. For example, societal pressure of marrying against girls. Or when the topic of sexual abuse and rape came through. Even though I do not know people that have experienced this, however, the play was so raw that it reminded me that such things do happen. During a very touching scene, this quote was shouted multiple times: “I reject all limitations placed on my life’s expectations”. Once you can realize within yourself that there is no limit to what you can accomplish, a lot of doors will open for you my friend. And to hear this, in combination with the whole evening, was so blessing. So inspiring.

#HearWord

I would like to give a big shout out to Miss Ifeoma Fafunwa who has directed #HearWord. Without her this would have not been possible. And of course, without us the continuance of this cannot proceed. That is why I decided to write a blog post. I remembered that there is power in Social Media. And that, I behold some power. Tell your family and tell your friends.

Please do not hesitate to join the conversation #HearWord and #HearWordNaija! Check out www.hearwordnaija.com for information and stay updated @HearWordNaija on Facebook  While you’re at it, dont forget to check me out on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook :).