As the global community marks the International Women's Day (IWD), a 15-year-old sickle cell campaigner and the founder Favour and Great-Daniel Care Foundation, Miss Favour Teerdo Patrick says her organization's target is to build a city where those with sickle cell anemia would have access to free education, medical services and other social services.
She spoke in a video address to mark the 2024 IWD where she said despite the several challenges women face, they have remained resilient in pushing for their rights and striving to be heard in a world that overlooks their challenges.
"But despite these challenges, we continue to stand tall, supporting one another and pushing forward towards a brighter future", she said.
Read her full speech below:
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and fellow warriors,
Today, as we gather to celebrate International Women's Day, I stand before you not just as a 13-year-old, but as a proud sickle cell warrior. It's an honor to address you all on this special occasion, where we come together to recognize the incredible strength and resilience of women worldwide.
As women, we face unique challenges every day, whether it's battling illness, fighting for our rights, or simply striving to be heard in a world that often overlooks our voices. But despite these challenges, we continue to stand tall, supporting one another and pushing forward towards a brighter future.
I once saw a lady sing a solo song, it was great, but later I heard thesame song sang in parts by a massive choir, and then I realised that though the song by the soloist was beautiful, it was incomplete. The choir gave the full and more beautiful representation. And that is what our struggle is about. There a some songs that only one person cannot adequately amplify: our fight as women cannot be the representation of a soloist. We must go out as a choir.
I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of women supporting women. We must lift each other up, celebrate each other's achievements, and stand together in solidarity. Our voices matter, and when we come together, we are unstoppable.
I also want to shine a spotlight on the incredible work being done by my organizations: Favour and Great-Daniel Care Foundation. The dedication of my team to supporting widows and orphans is truly inspiring, and my parents have helped me to reach out and support other sickle cell warriors and to serve as a beacon of hope for those in need. We are hoping to build a city where Sickle cell warriors will get free education, medical care and other welfare packages . My theme is : turning pain to power.
As we celebrate International Women's Day today, let us not only reflect on how far we've come but also recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight for gender equality. Together, we can create a world where every woman and girl is valued, respected, and empowered to achieve her dreams.
I charge you all to go out there and make a difference. Create the world that you see in your dreams. Remember, we can do it together.
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