HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY! ODE: "AM I A PROUD WOMAN?" BY AJAKAYE STRIDA

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

ODE: "AM I A PROUD WOMAN?"

Am I a proud woman?

I begin as a cheerful child chasing butterflies in her father's compound,

an inquisitive child learning the language of the world.

Am I a proud woman?

After relatively long years of nurturing,

I become a daughter dedicated to the pride of her parents,

even with the threats of sexual proposals and faceless promises.

Am I a proud woman?

Sometimes, I do not become a sister

but all times...I become a friend to myself and others,

reinvesting my attention for others to select right life decisions 

from the dilemmas of passion and social expectations.

Am I a proud woman?

I am as educated as the walk of time,

tí a bá kọ́ obìnrin ní ẹ̀kọ́, a ti kọ́ ẹgbẹ̀rún ènìyàn.

I do not just parade the house with my office hills,

my native intelligence is dearest to me,

if not for women, the tables would be under the chairs.

Am I a proud woman?

Just as an octopus multitasks with different arms, 

I multitask!

I become a worthy wife and a dear daughter-in-law.

Saving my pride for countless "I am sorry".

Saving the dance steps of my home

for the drum beats of my husband's home.

Am I a proud woman?

In this shell, I become a mother,

being the closest confidant and philosopher of my children,

when our children want to wander wild,

I know the way to ring the caution bell.

Am I a proud woman?

Obìnrin tí ó bá jẹ́ olóòótọ́ ní ilé, yóò jẹ́ olóòótọ́ níta.

I am a teacher,

thousands taught me and I teach a country,

a country for free not only paying students.

Am I a proud woman?

I am an entrepreneur,

I am a tree that births a forest,

luck or work...I promote positive possibilities 

when I listen to fertile but unloved ideas.

Am I a proud woman?

With all my prosperous transformations within the elastic shell 

of childhood, motherhood, grannyhood, great grannyhood...

I am a philanthropist,

for I fill the gaps of wealth recreation in my society and beyond.

Am I a proud woman?

Today, I brag my gender in honour,

I am a proud woman,

yes, we are proud women.

Happy International Women's Day!

© RASHIDAT OLAMIDAYO AJAKAYE 

STRIDA... guiding you to striking confidence in academic and creative writing!

2026

The poem celebrates the life journey and multifaceted roles of a woman—from childhood to motherhood and beyond—highlighting her resilience, intelligence, and societal contributions. Through repeated questioning, the speaker reflects on the challenges and responsibilities women carry as daughters, wives, mothers, teachers, and entrepreneurs. Ultimately, the poem proudly affirms womanhood, honoring the strength and value of women on International Women’s Day.