Such a journey this is proving to be

Hello lovely people,

The submissions for the second week is over and most of us, I believe are waiting for the new assignment. Wondering what new waters we will tread. It's exciting as well as a bit nerve wrecking to bring out words that touch on sensitive topics.

We have had the opportunity to read real life stories of resilient women from throughout the world.

My experience during the last two weeks here has shown me that this is proving to be a great journey. I feel a lot more strength, a lot more energy, and a lot more positivity in myself about my future. And I like to believe it is the same for everyone out there. I am right, am I not?

Some of us are here to bring out the demons within us to the surface to stare it in its face and to tell it we are not afraid. Some of us are here to bring the cruelties surrounding us and our people to the notice of the world to gather support for a good cause. Some of us are here for the opportunity to network & grow in intellectual maturity. What all of us have in common is the need and desire to be a reckoning force that brings about positive changes in our communities. And all of us believe women are generally disadvantaged and that there is a need to empower them. At the same time I believe that we should all try to include our other half - the men. We need to educate our men and sensitize them to gender issues. We need to make our men folk understand.

Anyways, I just thought I will say a huge hi with a huge smile, to one and all in this community of VOF 2013.

I would also like to share my story of my mother. \"She is my strength and I am her pride.\"

Thank you for the love you have given me in this space.

Salaam (peace be to you and to me)
Aminah from the tiny island country, the Maldives

I had to add that last line because I am deeply patriotic and I am the only Maldivian in VOF 2013.