This morning I woke to the news that 4 men were found guilty
in the “bus rape” that occurred in India last December. It was this well
publicized rape that awoke my interest in writing about violence against women
but more specifically the epidemic of rape that exists in the world. I recently
found myself unable to write. As much as I tried I could not write one
paragraph that felt meaningful to me. I thought that it might be that the
summer brought more demands of my time than usual or that it was simple “writers
block” to which I thought I was immune. I even blamed the therapist I began
sharing with because he served as an outlet that I hadn’t had before. Yesterday
I read the much shared story about the 8 year old Yemeni girl who was forced
into a marriage with grown man and then died of internal injuries after her
wedding night. My hands began to shake, tears began to flow and I thought I
would become physically ill.
When I was about 18 to 20 years old I had a dream that I was
wearing a Burqa and concealing a weapon beneath it as I fled from someone. When
I woke I was not relieved but disappointed. The burqa’d woman in my dream represented
someone that I admired and still admire. She was someone who was liberating
women from oppression. Yesterday I realized that delving into the subject of
violence against women has offered me a glimpse into the “depths of hell” and at this time of my life I’m not prepared to dwell there. I asked myself if I am
simply running from a subject that makes me uncomfortable or unable to deal
with unresolved issues from my own life. I have come to the conclusion that I
simply cannot be my best for the people who live with me when I delve into that
darkness.
What I do know for certain is that I enjoy writing about
things that are “awe inspiring”. In addition to many topics that I find awe inspiring are the people and organizations that improve the lives of others.
Writing about those people will not only bring about awareness but will
celebrate their work. If you would like to recommend an organization or person
that I should explore please email me at Kcikeizer@comcast.net.
I’d like to write about people who work
to promote gender equality, LGBT folks, international aid, the rights of
children or the protection of animals. I'm also interested in writing about places, research and discoveries. I look forward to hearing from you.
In the meantime for those of you who have supported my
writing or been so kind as to share my writing please accept my heartfelt
gratitude.
With Love,
Ingrid
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