A Bouquet of Pulses Bound By Invisible Ribbons

Dear Pulses,

We are so apart geographically yet we share common problems across the globe. But how would I have known this if it was not for the opportunity and platform availed by the internet. I owe this to World Pulse! Keeping our connections and networks for the benefit of each other has been fundamental for the realization of our individual and collective goals.

The issues we strive to confront may seem invisible across borders, yet they are common in our lives and communities. Women and girls throughout the world continue to experience sexual abuse, violence, discrimination, inequality, deprivation of education and economic opportunities, torture and inhuman treatment, poverty etc. You have each made a momentous contribution towards solving these issues in your communities and even beyond through networking.

Chi Yvonne Leina, thank you for enlightening the world about the abusive and dangerous practice of breast ironing in Cameroon, Guinea-Bissau, Chad, Togo, Benin, and Guinea which I first heard from you through the World Pulse community. This painful practice of pounding young girls’ breasts with heated objects to suppress or reverse the growth of breasts is indeed something that must stop. Yes, mothers want to protect our daughters from rape, sexual advances, early sex and pregnancies, but this is hurting them. You are Brave!

Ch Urmilla, (Urmila Chanam) far away in India, I have fruitfully connected with you over issues of menstrual hygiene and management. This is essential in ensuring girls’ and women’s everyday lives are not interrupted by menstruation and ensures that they can continue with daily routine such as going to school, going to work or doing household chores. Indeed the power of sharing a conversation and extending a hand to someone who shares vision cannot be underestimated. There is no doubt this is your niche. Your global campaign named 'Breaking the Silence' and 'Celebrating the Red Droplets' is catching fire. This is very critical to me because this is one of the key reasons girls drop out of school in Uganda. Your innovative approach is worth replicating. The hotline will definitely provide information to those girls who may not have anyone to ask about menstruation. I am keeping my eyes open on this one. Our chats on face book will forever be treasured as I advance my work with youth girls. I describe you as bold and daring!

Sharon Multani, from the United Kingdom, I appreciate you sharing with me number of resources on how to make cloth sanitary pads. I can’t wait to try it out. Your candidness to work with me in this area is very much cherished. This is by all means a sustainable approach to keeping girls at school. You are compassionate!

Sharon Asonganyi, founder of Threads of Our Fabric Project in the USA, we met here and made a trip to visit the Sexual Health Improvement Project (SHIP) project in Uganda. What we shared has since helped SHIP to grow. You are down to earth!

Achieng Beatrice-Nas from Uganda, Your vision of having rural unprivileged girls attain an education is a powerful tool in every girl's life. Yes, today she is a child, but tomorrow she will be a mother. So an education will determine the quality of her family and community. Your popular slogan ‘Nobody is a nobody’ keeps me inspired to work for the girls and women cause. The times I have consulted you via phone or face book chat have been very valuable for the Empowering Women through Mentoring Programme. You are exemplary and a change maker!

Terri Rucker~T.T, from USA, through WP, our connection has grown. Your choice to support and mentor a young woman in Uganda is just fabulous and a blessing to Sebia. You are motherly! Julie Collura from USA, for mentoring girls in Uganda, your visit to the Uganda WP sisters is still memorable. The fund raising resource you have shared is just timely. You are Awesome!

Olutosin; from Nigeria, I always refer to you as Tosin, you are noble, empowering and steady. Every time I log onto my face book and WP accounts, I ensure reading your postings because there is always something motivating and to learn from you. Wow, I love the innovation and transformation going on in Ibasa TTTTT. Your efforts have no doubt already created ripple effects in your community. Promoting economic empowerment for women is what we share and have dedicated ourselves to do. Yes, we have shared discussions on challenging issues, and surely these same networks that brought us together will find solutions for us. Tosin we are real line sisters. You are a genius and vocal post!

The afrikangodess, Amma~we connected three years ago but are growing stronger day by day. You are an inspiration to me. You made me believe in my capabilities when you gave me opportunity to publish some of my journal articles in the then Afrikan Goddess online magazine; the power of literacy in women; Destroying the female character among others. Today I’m on a journey to publishing my book. You are stunning!

Susan Kenn, amidst all the technological advancement going on today, with enthusiasm to harness its power, I was confronted with a challenge of making my voice to be heard through tweeting. Susan, you did not hesitate to inbox me detailed step by step instructions on how to tweet and followed up. It worked very well. Yes, one does not need to know someone physically to give a solution to a problem in such a platform. You are a candle that lights others!

There is no doubt that digital connections have made it possible for us to find solutions to issues surrounding us as women; and participate in ending them. It is empowering and motivating. We are a bouquet of pulses bound by an invisible ribbon, with a strong fragrance creating effect. I love you all WP sisters.

Yours online Grace