Dear Future Husband

Hi Mr,

I'm gonna have to rush through this because I have just a few minutes on my airtime at the Cyber Cafe where I am mailing you this letter from. Love, ours is gonna be a graceful marriage and union, you know why?

Well...

For the record, I am not the woman any man would encounter and be able to forget totally and soon you shall know this from experience. Years back, I was praying to God  about you and he revealed to me how you are equally going to be fun and exciting to hang around. He told me you would be tall(errm God talk am oo), dark, intelligent and handsome, and so I should not even bother my head. Dearly beloved, if what was revealed to me is anything to hold on to, I am gripping you firmly with both hands in the supernatural realm even before you appear in person. These times of waiting are going to be my best years ever because the fantasy of you lingering in my mind is all the world to me right now.

Here in my room, I am figuring out how we will meet. Shall we bump into eachother at the shopping mall or at the National Theatre where I might probably be at an Uncle Ebo Whyte play? Maybe we might meet in the trotro(public transport) as I shall be singing along the music playing from the vehicle. And you, you shall be listening to my melodious voice and be nodding in admiration to it. Then I shall turn to you with a shy smile which will usher us into our very first conversation. Perhaps, we may meet at my favorite Waakye(rice and beans) Joint at Kwabenya near the mosque where I would be shabbily dressed because I haven't yet taken my bath.

When we have finally gotten acquainted with eachother, you would always bring me ice-cream whenever you come to visit.You would take me out to Live Bands and Concerts because you would know from the trotro saga how I so much cherish music. And if you are ever lost for what gift to give to me on any occasion, remember to gift me any great book with my name and yours boldly inscribed on it, in black ink. Dear, BOOKS are like my second oxygen and your awareness about this shall save us a lot of misunderstanding which may arise due to my over indulgence in reading or writing.

Of course, we shall have a yearly ritual so be prepared for that. It may either be a travel to a far far away land, or watching the stars in our garden while making a wish, or spending time with the less privileged, or just staying in bed a whole day in eachother's arms. I know you will happily share in my weird self because you will love me to bits no matter what. Your suggestions will also, however, be needed while we agree on what this ritual should be. I do not expect much from you as regards commitment and responsibilities as I promise to always be on my feet as an industrious wife. However, that being said, I know you would meet up to the expectations of a loving husband so I am very calm in that regard.

The gentleman that you are, I believe, will surely bring out the best lady in me. I cannot wait to kiss you on the cheeks "goodnight" as we settle to some cool music playlist and red wine during bedtime. And when it is morning, we shall lie face to face in bed for about twenty minutes, savoring eachother's bad breathe and staring into our eyes knowing that we are going to wake up to ourselves for the rest of our lives till death do us part.

With love,
Future Wife.


Written by,
Justica Anima
adjeianima@gmail.com
switstica.blogspot.com

Dear New Version Of Me

Read this simple words of mine Like they are gods that shine Deep into the sands of time With your glowing bulb by night And let it give you hope for life Reaching into your soul with light With the courage owned by a knight All the proverbs learnt are for a phase The ridicules shall keep you in pace Only then will you look the fool in its face And your hallelujahs shall rise with praise Until then keep your feet poised for grace By your sweat and toil remain in the race For the time that you will be named great Dear me, you are so dear to my heart And I wish you weren't so much apart Please place this beneath the old mat These letters which I combine as facts To me you are the true and real new The one I seek through the rearview Because soon I'll obtain a clearer view Dear new Mia Arise and shine For thy light may die Awaken like the tyre Spark with a fire Unleash every power And strengthen all fibre

By Justica Anima

Lessons from My Top 10 Persons Of 2016

There comes a time in one's life when he or she has to show gratitude for the people and experiences that they encounter. Here are my ten people of the year and lessons that they can teach you and I as we approach a new year.

Kofi Adjei-Kyeremeh: My elder brother. He has been with me through thick and thin.  He sacrifices even the little he has for me to feel okay and for that I am very grateful.  He is always with me in my low and down moments, offering me assurance of better days ahead. He teaches me the lesson of sacrifice and kindness.

Priscilla Kwarteng: An angel on earth. This lady has a big heart which I know is often taken for granted.  I love her with every being in me,  you know why? Because she is so selfless and caring towards everyone she encounters so much that it's scary sometimes. She teaches me the lesson of loving people even when they turn their backs on us.

Jeremiah Buabeng: A change maker, destiny shaker, talent coach,  entrepreneur,  and one who is deliberate about success. I can never forget his impact on my life by giving me room to spread my wings. I continue to learn the discipline of service, commitment, dedication, and wealth creation from you. Thanks for being a part of my journey.

Rexford Kumah: My one time lecturer. Through his belief in me, I had my first feel of radio which later launched me onto the Joy FM platform. Your unflinching support and belief in me is far fetching. I have learnt to belief in myself and to belief in others because of you.

Gloria Loveland: I still remember when we used to sit in that small room of ours and talk about what the future will be like for us. I'm happy to be alive to watch you achieve exactly what you set out to do. You have proven to me beyond doubt that anyone can achieve anything they want in life in spite of the many obstacles they may face. Yours will continue to be a great leap.

Kabu Nartey: Self motivated young man who is always charged up for greatness. You are one of the few young people who has had a great impact on my life in a direct way. You inspire me to think on my feet and to go the extra mile because you having a way pushing people to go beyond their limit. You teach me the lesson of determination, excellence,  and producing results.

Nora Delali: I have watched with keen interest how you exhibit both manegerial and creativity skill sets. The go-getter that you are makes you want to motivate others to also do same. When I grow up I want to exude the confidence and zeal that you possess.  Keep growing talents.

Ferdinard Lawson: Your goodwill messages and encouragements in my most trying times cannot be overlooked. My coach and mentor in the writing sphere.  Your seven success tips is pasted in my room and still guides me in my endeavours(I bet you didnt know that). You teach me the lesson of staying focused and sticking to goals.

Mr. Boateng: You have taught me to be helpful to people, even to strangers. I have taken cue from you that our biggest blessings in life come from helping people who cannot return the favor back.  Your Pep talks will forever remain my guiding principles in life. God bless you.

Ebenezer Martey: My personal pastor and spiritual companion. When the shadows of the valley are darkened in my life, you are there with prayers and directions. Your late nights and efforts towards my spiritual life will always be my highlights about you. Thanks for the lesson of spiritual growth.

Special thanks to Anderson Apaw, Mamavi Goh, Abeiku Sankofi, Smart Takyi, Aunty Thess, Shemimah Ishak, Adu Amani, Faiza, Mark Ofusu, Christy and co., GIJ friends and colleagues. And to you reading this, who has always followed my blog, you are the real persons of my year. Thanks to you all for the lessons and experiences we have shared together so far. Let us hope for more better days, more exciting articles,  and God's abundant blessings in the new year. Keep living and learning!

Justica Anima
adjeianima@gmail.com
switstica.blogspot.com

The Masked Life Called Womanhood

As a young woman, many many ideas and thoughts run with me on a daily basis. My inspiration is not really in a mentor, friend, family, or man... No not really. My inspiration comes from random thoughts about life, love and nature. I've always thought of the liberating nature of today's woman and I have wondered if it's for our good or doom. Today's woman has been taught to be independent but this independence I must say, comes with a cost (an expensive one for that matter). Look good, be educated, have social class... these are some of the things that are expected from today's woman.

Personally, whenever I'm setting out to go somewhere, I expect to look my best. But it comes with a cost. A cost I'm sometimes not able to afford, because well, I'm not earning my own money. But you see, that's the problem because I see nice things I want to get all the time and who am I to demand for them? "Work your ass off and you can get there too", this doesn't seem a bad advice at all but what about getting it now especially when your support system is weak. We are in competition with no other person than ourselves you know?

Glorified messengers that we are. Busy bodies, as I may want to put it.We are always happy running around chasing things which never want to chase us back. Who sends us anyway? I guess it's the urge to turn into an envy in society that causes us to behave in a certain way. Women! We strive, we fight, and we are tagged 'warriors'. The young is taught to be independent and depend on her own abilities. She should not weaken her guards for a man who will not treat her well. What do we then teach the men? Nothing? Who are we fooling anyway? There is a sickness in the bones of humans. Always seeking answers but never finding any. The woman in me has been suppressed to think and act in a particular way. I have been caged like a bird, just like any other woman I know. "You dare not stand up to your feelings for a man, or else he takes advantage of you", they say.

Do not play football. Never visit a man. Do not have sex at random like you're the man. The man is stronger than you, do not challenge their authority. Dress to kill but make sure you don't expose too much. Forget your sex drive, let the man make the first move. Go to school, find work, get married and make babies. The higher you reach, the more you scare the men away, and that may leave you lonely. Women all around the world need to be constantly reminded of these rules. Is it necessary at all? Can't women have a voice of their own?

Really, the bird in me wants to run free. I want to be able to explore life in my own ways not being judged for how much meat I decide to chew. We should not be forced to change who we really are and want to be. The onus lies within a sister, mother, and a friend to challenge the status quo.

I will throw the question back at you. What do you want so badly that the world is stopping you from achieving? Are you okay with the life you are subjected to? What will you do in your power to change what you have been conformed to accept as the norm?

Justica Anima
adjeianima@gmail.com
switstica.blogspot.com

"Women's Impact Is A Catalyst For Nation Building" -Shemimah Dapilaa

Views on Women Impact

Women making impact is the best thing that can happen to any country. Women making impact enhances the development of a country and I believe that is the support men need from us and not just being a house wife or seen as a sex object. Personally, I don't believe in gender equality, but I know it has encouraged, motivated and empowered women in so many ways. The empowerment of women has caused a lot more of them to do wonderful things which is gaining them some level of respect and recognition. Hillary Clinton, for instance, serves as a role model and a motivator for many women around the world. Her strength, hard work and her determination is what every woman should consider having in life. Despite the negative things being said about her, she still stays focused and that is who a strong woman should be. Michelle Obama once said, "Success isn't about how much money you make but the impact you make in the life of others". Based on that, it is my wish to start a venture in Ghana, sometime in the future, to help the less privileged in society.

Women abuse has always been one of the issues that makes my heart bleed. I have always frowned upon women abuse and it has always been my dream to fight it in my own way. This the more reason why I am planing on a foundation to support  and educate women against this act because I believe women are very vital instruments in society and should be treated with love and respect. If I had the power to avert sexual abuse by men on women, I will make an effective law that will protect women and impose a punishment on men who engage in sexual harassment and physical abuse on women. I will also make sure all men who fall victim to this will serve prison terms in order to serve as an example to the others. Through media channels, I will promote the education of the issue of sexual abuse against women in order that it becomes an issue of great concern in the country.

About Me

Shemimah Dapilaa is a 21 year old young woman who hails from Nadowli in the Upper West Region. She is from a family of eight comprising of 5 boys and 3 girls. She attended Sea School Limited JHS in Kumasi and she proceeded to Accra Girls Senior High School for her secondary education. Currently, she is a student of the Ghana Institute of Journalism. Growing up, she has always been a strong girl. She lived with her step mum at the age of five till now and sees challenges as part of growing up. Judging from her self confidence, she confessed that, "I have always been vibrant since Accra Girls Senior High School through to GIJ and have involved myself in so many activities just to acquire knowledge and to make an impact".

She contested for face of GIJ in the year 2015 where she was part of top ten finalists. She also went ahead to represent GIJ as Face of GUPS(Ghana Union of Professional Students) where she was crowned Face of GUPS in the same year. Being the Face of GUPS allowed her to do a lot of things such as embarking on a volunteering project in her village. During the project, she was able to donate toiletries and cloths to residents and talked to the young girls about the need for education. She also embarked on a Violence Free Election Tour to some Senior High Schools to preach peace with her team which included Irbard Ibrahim ( security analyst ), Konrad Kakraba of GTV, Abdul Hayi Moomen of GTV, and some student activists from UCC and Legon . This project won her an honorary award in this year's Ghana tertiary women's award as the Most Impactful Woman Led Project of the year.

Aspirations and Last Words

I see myself as an impact maker and a generational thinker because I always motivate my family and friends by partaking in volunteer works in my village and also by embarking on projects that impact the lives of people. I also write motivational messages that empower women and the girl child. Purpose is what drives me to do what I do or what I have already done. I have an invigorating energy which every person must have in order to be able to achieve their purpose in life.

My passions are in the field of media, politics, and human resource. I have never had the aspiration to be very rich, but I would like to earn enough to reach a stage where I can help others, give my family a comfortable life, and start my own business venture in Ghana. My aspiration in life is to have a loving and supportive companion and give my mother the respect and comfort that she deserves. A fulfilling life where I can look back and feel happy about the richness of it all. A life full of knowledge which I have used to make others life better.

Interview by: Justica Anima
Ghana Institute of Journalism
adjeianima@gmail.com