Society, Poetry, Z.N., 2 min readZuleika NanguwoVirginity, Character, Malawi

When Character Overrules Virginity, Virginity Has An Expiration Date.

Society, Poetry, Z.N., 2 min readZuleika NanguwoVirginity, Character, Malawi
When Character Overrules Virginity, Virginity Has An Expiration Date.

Sssssshhhhhh listen
They lied to me
Everyone lied to me
They told me Virginity would be the best gift to my husband on our wedding night
Do not sleep with men they said
Virginity is your pride, do not let it fade
It’s like a flower if you don’t water it, it dies
Why didn’t mama tell me these were all lies
Go out with them but do not let them come between your thighs

Unknowingly like little boy Isaac going to be sacrificed, I deafly followed their words
Little did I know I would one day be at my worst
Where I’d feel nothing but pain through my chest
Lost in my character I changed men like clothes
Instead of earning respect, life gave me blows
Painting a bad picture they called me a whore
But was I wrong for listening to them?
They said if I played my cards right I’d win the game

Nobody told me character matters
They all watched me drown in disgraceful manners
Instead of correcting me they watched me suffer
I saw my friends celebrating in laughter
Why would they laugh?
Where was the love?

My character made my path so dirty with no way
I watched every man walk away
Warning each other about me to stay alert
I painted a bad picture for me
Each passing day I saw myself falling
No one cared about my virginity, for my character was one bad news
Some called my character “loose”;

They lied to me
Everyone lied to me
They told me my Virginity was the best
regardless of the rest
Now I’m here singing my happily never after song
Knowing they all did me wrong 
My Wedding night
My wedding night was just a dream that will never be real
I’m here writing this poem
When I should be in my husband’s home.

I am from the Warm Heart of Africa (Malawi). A holder of a Bachelor's degree in Journalism obtained at Blantyre International University. I am passionate about joining the Army and I am the World's future Air Force Soldier.

I believe in equal opportunities among men and women. We have a long way to go to achieve this but I will make sure I see the day when gender won't define any human so I will fight for gender equality.

I love expressing my feelings on a paper because it relieves my pain.

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Activism, 4 min read, Z.N.Zuleika NanguwoMalawi, Sexual Assault, Culture

Say No to Rape

Here in Malawi, we have some traditional beliefs that violate women's rights. It is really okay to respect beliefs we have in our societies, but not all traditions are meant to be followed. How can it be a tradition for girls to be made to have sex with a paid sex worker known as a "Hyena" once they reach puberty?

Activism, 4 min read, Z.N.Zuleika NanguwoMalawi, Sexual Assault, Culture
Say No to Rape