SOCIAL CRITIQUE: "WOMEN ARE THE ENEMIES OF WOMEN" BY AJAKAYE STRIDA

Women are the enemies of Women!

As healthy as the roots of masquerade trees,

her vision arises mightily.

Behind her, a thousand billionaire women,

a penny is too expensive for another woman.

"I went within hell, why shouldn't she?"

Women are the enemies of Women!

my eyes sat on my head from Lekki's professional stress,

on Badore's motorcycle, beside her, I sat and heard.

"Women that drive cars are wicked."

"Not all of them, maybe some." I retorted.

I could read just jealousy on her lips.

Women are the enemies of Women!

From a broken family, she grows

within the walls of trauma and regression, she prospers...

only to meet dispiriting attempts of intimidated women.

"Don't you think she is overambitious?"

"I am not, you are the one in tight shoes..."

Women are the enemies of women!

Anike leads with healthy discipline and sane passion,

willing to impart with the spear of philanthropism,

selflessly managing the 'coat of social harm'

"Why another project from our President, is she a man?"

Women prefer to be enslaved by a man than simply obeying the same sex.

Women are the enemies of Women!

I bought a dress she sew, my rear almost bear,

she leans in weighted thanks  before me.

She whispers me as "indecent" to other skirts,

why whisper what you should warn?

why warn behind what you should not whisper?

Women are the enemies of Women?

Aggressive at the shine of mates,

Listen!

Let an elderly woman be dearest to your beauty, plans...

she would not measure your worthiness with her,

insane comparison cracks the mirrors of prospects.

©️ RASHIDAT OLAMIDAYO AJAKAYE 

STRIDA

-Nigeria

This poem is a powerful social critique that highlights the damaging effects of internalized misogyny and the ways in which women often perpetuate harm against each other. The speaker argues that women are often their own worst enemies, perpetuating patriarchal norms and criticizing other women for striving for success or autonomy. Through vivid imagery and dialogue, the poem illustrates the ways in which women are socialized to undermine and intimidate each other, whether through subtle comments or overt actions. The poet critiques the ways in which women are pitted against each other, and calls for solidarity and support among women, urging readers to reject the destructive patterns of behavior that hold them back. The poem is a call to action, encouraging women to uplift and empower each other rather than tearing each other down.