Hi. I’m the average girl who you’ve probably bumped shoulders with in college corridors. Or who’s car you’ve honked at during rush hour. I’m the girl who sat next to you in biochemistry class and who worked with you on group projects. I’m the mutual friend you met at the new year’s party. I’m the cousin you haven’t seen in years. I’m the employee who always stays late to finish her work. I’m the daughter, the mother, the sister, the friend, the confidant, the student, the teacher. I’m many things. I’m the girl who you thought would never speak up. I’m the girl you thought you could talk and walk over. I’m the girl who you thought would never see the truth. But I have news for you. I’m here to talk. And here to tell you that enough is enough. Enough with the dishonesty, the facade and the excuses. Enough with brushing the past under the carpet, pretending to be innocent and crying for sympathy. Enough. You pretend to be someone you’re not, but I see you. You think you’re so compassionate, so caring, so protective and WOKE. But I have news for you. I don’t need your compassion, I don’t need your care, or your protection. I don’t need anything from you because I’m the girl who knows better. Know that you’re not talking to a defenceless girl but an equal. Think before you cross the line because I won’t be quiet. Think before you raise that hand because I won’t be quietened. I’m the girl who’s here to tell you your time is over. So don’t make culture your shield because we’re done protecting you. Don’t hide behind religion because faith doesn’t excuse what you did. Don’t raise your voice because it doesn’t matter. I’m the girl you thought you could overpower. But I have news for you. I’m the girl who’s empowered. I’m the girl who’s not alone. I’m the girl who won’t back down. I have news for you. I’m the girl who’s here to tell you your time is over. Feature image credit: Illustration: Nadezda_Grapes/iStock/Getty Images Plus