I grew up hearing my mama's chorus, "the time has passed when the girl child meant nothing in the society." It took longer for me to realize the weight of that single line.

Just like it's weave in our dialect, it was a social construct. Something that swept most part of Africa like a hurricane. Raging in the firm grip of a patriarchal system. Girls like me groomed ourselves in service...no aspiration beyond the task to please society—crowned a husband. And those who dared to dream where ousted from the bond of local kinship.

But mama sings that it's over... that time is gone. 

I dare say, not completely.

Constantly under the critiques of society's third eye, every girl like me have scouted for escape, or some comfort.

We know we either keep our heads up, or sink into the old narrative.

We push and pull...huff and puff...scream our names for the earth to witness, we won't give up our dreams.

So when you imagine your future leaders in this country, don't think boys, imagine girls.

We are an army on expedition. From what we know, the sky is our starting point.

Imagine that army, and you have seen me…

I, the girl child.