A Melanesian Woman’s Voice

By Naelita M Afia

I was raised by many hands,
in gardens, sea, schools, and church grounds.
Taught to listen, serve, obey,
to walk in men’s shadows, not stand in their light.

Customs declare, men are strong and wise,
while women’s dreams should close their eyes.
But deep inside, my spirit knew
a woman’s strength can guide us too.

We work, we care, we teach, we uplift,
we shape the life our people live.
Through struggles, weeping, working without pause,
we rise, we shine through tough times, we embrace new beginnings.

Now I rise, with voice and pride,
for gender fairness, side by side.
With education as my light,
I’ll help my people do what’s right. 

For every girl and every son,
equality must shine as one.

To be a Melanesian woman
is to be free.
To lift our islands, our family, our sea,
to nurture, to guide, to care,
with strength and wisdom always shared.

In Melanesia’s heart, we’ll see,
Melanesian women bend but never break,
building our tomorrow with strength and grace.

                                                                  -Naelita Mangona Afia