I BLAME THE BRITISH FOR OUR CLASSIST SOCIETY or PERHAPS MY LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION

I never quite understood the concept of 'human rights'. Whenever a friend of mine decides to pursue a Masters Degree in Human Rights, i remain perplexed, because i don't quite know what that means. I am also quite sure, neither do they, not always anyway. I saw this ad today in the Awareness Newspaper, SIERRA-LEONE CALLS FOR WOMEN TO LEAD THE FIGHT ON RIGHTS. In my cocoon of a second home (see photos below), i wake up most mornings to a coffee, light breakfast and the love of my life, my decaying MacBook, with a view that continually leaves one slightly breathless. The point isn't to go on about my blessings or whatever else, but rather, i am still quite preoccupied with attempting to understand the concept of RIGHT/S. 

Human rights in Sierra-Leone, (for example), how do we begin to talk about the human right or the right to_______________________ that every Sierra-Leonean should be entitled to when there is a blantant lack of acknowledging of  our basic humanity ( we were colonized by the British, hierarchy & class  is what enables & sustains our society). 

WOMEN TO FIGHT FOR THE RIGHTS, which women? When most of the women who speak on behalf of all women in Sierra-Leone are often quite privileged, and don't don't openly about things like:

1. prostitution and protecting the rights of prostitutes (they are humans too right)...and they are constantly going missing...

2. rape/sexual violation, victims/survivors of rape are often from more impoverished  backgrounds( we all know rape doesn't ONLY happen to 'poor' people)

3. taking steps to openly talk about sexuality/sexual empowerment/self empowerment for both women and men.

4. Ageism 

5. sexual orientation

But are very vocal about things like:

1. 30% parliamentary vote for women 

2. education ( of course/but what kind of education?)

3. Bondo, Female Cutting

This fight is difficult, i get that, but what rights can we talk about when we aren't very inclusive, accessible, open about everything, and creative in how we engage the public and women across all sexual orientations, religious practices, class & race lines. Yes, please involve Lebanese Sierra-Leone women too....

But, then again...i spend my mornings like this....

fambul dem this is how we do....

Vintage Bracelet-from Paris-Nikitta Shallop

Welcoming In the Morning