Mainstream feminism tricks us into thinking that liberation means participating in the same oppressive power structures that created the inequities we continue to resist. This is not where the struggle begins or ends.

Consummating the marriage on the wedding night might be tradition, but if the bride is uncomfortable and is not yet ready, if she doesn’t want to, is her choice respected or disregarded? 

The anticipation of returning to ‘normal’ reminded me of the reason I was nervous about leaving the house before the pandemic: lack of safe spaces for women.

Advocating for myself, publicly and privately, has been the most significant component of my self-love journey.

As we enter the second year of the pandemic and as our online relationships continue to change, I want to remind you that it is also crucial that we centre ourselves. Don't forget to ask yourself: what feels good? More importantly, don't forget to listen to the answer.

Developing meaningful strategies to disrupt colonial mentality and infrastructures, particularly around patriarchal violence in our communities, requires an ongoing commitment to unlearning and relearning.