Unshackled Bodies, Unsilenced Voices
A poem by Caleb Kamugisha Kashugyeera, a Ugandan alumna of Cohort 7 of the Advanced Short Course on Advocacy for Reproductive Justice.
In shadows cast by repressive might,
A struggle brews, a beacon in sight.
For Sexual Reproductive Health Rights,
A fundamental claim, in the darkest nights.
When laws and norms gang up to bind,
And choices wane, leaving none to find,
The brave rise up, with voices clear,
Demanding sovereignty, year by year.
In Global Gag Rule’s realm, where freedoms fade,
A resistance stirs, with hearts unafraid.
For bodily autonomy, they take a stand,
Against oppressive forces, hand in hand.
Through streets and courts of law, they make their plea
For safe abortions and contraception free accessibility.
For education and resources, to empower and enlighten,
And shatter stigma, in the dark of night.
Silences the woes, gives love its fright.
In restrictive times, they push the tide,
For human rights, where all can reside.
Their struggle echoes, across the land,
A call to action, to join hand in hand.
For Sexual Reproductive Health Rights,
A fight for dignity, in the darkest of nights.
May courage, purpose and resilience guide the way,
To a future bright, where all can seize the day.
Without retribution to their freedom of choice.
Unshackled bodies, unsilenced voices rise,
A chorus of resistance, that echoes to the skies.
For a world where choice is sacred, but freedom is key,
We will fight, we will resist, until all can be free.
Freedom without choice, is no freedom at all.