This poem was written by 18yr old Kowsar Asad Warsame, a student of FilmAid's Youth Filmmaker Training Program in Dadaab refugee camp
Voice of a Girl Child
Ssshssh…! Listen
Do you hear that?
That is the voice of a girl child
A child who is a future teacher
A future doctor and a future pilot
If only my dreams are not shattered
I think of myself as a star
With my own passion of light
I can shine if given the opportunity
Opportunity to follow my brothers to school
Opportunity to grow up and learn more from the teachers
If only my dreams are not shattered
I think of myself as a giraffe
My sight set high
Big vision on big things
You don't have to marry me off to an old man
Just because you think school is not the right place for a girl
I need to go to school and pursue my goals
I think of myself as a live engine
Always going never slowing
Time is elapsing
Let my education not be a hot spot
The old man is waiting for my hand in marriage
The old woman is waiting with a knife
I need to go to school and pursue my goals
I think of myself as a lion
To roar loud and be heard
You don't have to take me as your wife
Just because I am a beautiful girl
Instead teach me a mathematical formula
So that my dreams are not shattered
I think of myself as a star
I think of myself as a live engine
I think of myself as a giraffe
I think of myself as a lion
Dear teacher, parents and guardians
Give me the rights I am entitled to.
A chat with the author
Kowsar Asad Warsame, or honey as she is known to her friends, is an inspiration to those around her, using poetry and media as a tool for making change. Born in Dadaab refugee camp, from Somali origin, she began creative writing in 2010 after being given a writing assignment at school. ‘I never really thought much about writing poetry’, she says, ‘we used to recite poems in class, but I didn’t know that I could write them’.
For International Women’s Day in 2011, she was tasked again to write a piece. She came up with Voice of a Girl Child. ‘There was no specific inspiration’, she says, ‘the issues I talk about are real and happening for girls every day. Young girls are getting engaged and are not allowed to speak out. They do not know they have rights.’
Kowsar, one of 6 girls in the family, met FilmAid in 2011 and trained in the Youth Filmmaker Training program as well as in radio. She is also a regular contributor to The Refugee Newspaper that is produced by FilmAid and the refugee community in Dadaab.
Now, 18yrs old, Kowsar has left the camp following some challenges in her community. ‘I have made a few speeches to girls in the camp about the value of education and knowing your rights. Some people don’t like that I share these things.’ she says. Leaving her community however, has not stifled the spirit of this young woman.
Now finishing her class 8 final examinations, Kowsar wants to pursue a career in the arts or media. ‘These poems are for women and girls who need a voice, but also to help me express myself too’. Koswar is finishing her latest poem My girl child education is lost and hopes to share it with FilmAid once the final touches are in place.