Half the World

When she asked for an education

They just gave her more chores

Your existence is a burden, they said

So let’s make it even worse

We think that in this modern age

Old ways are long gone

Then why do we keep hearing stories

Of girls’ lives that went wrong?

Educate the girl child,

Women must have equal rights—

These are just words on paper

But what do we see with our eyes?

Stand up to an injustice

And you’re treated like the cause was you

Why don’t they listen to her?

She’s a citizen of this planet, too.

A dowry in exchange for a ring

And a home, provided you behave

Isn’t her presence a blessing?

Then why is she treated like a slave?

In mathematics, you get a half

When you divide one equally in two

So why is one half less than the other?

I’m worth just as much as you

In the end, the choice is yours

Do you want to turn away from reality?

Or do you want to step forward and fight

To achieve the dream of equality?