by guest author San’aa Sultan
If you are looking for a role model, then look no further because we have Dahlia Wasfi.
The first time I met Dahlia, she called herself “Offkey” in comparison to the British lyricist Lowke, but I can tell you quite proudly that she was not in any way “Offkey.” In fact she inspired more people in that one room that one day than I can count, because I watched those people blossom once she left the UK for home.
If you are reading this, then you are actively searching for something, peace I’d guess. Dahlia is definitely an activist, but like Rachel Corrie, she is more than an activist: she is a model human being. The woman behind the saying “No justice, no peace” does all that she does through a love for her people and an anger created by the world’s silence while oppressors massacred human beings all over the world.
My own struggle began around about the time that I found out about Dahlia’s existence and since that day I have been hugely influenced by her because of her humanity and courage.
Dahlia told me what her vision of the redefinition of “Ladylike” was going to be and I fashioned her ideas into two poems, Lady Like and Ladylike Part Two.
Her vision inspired me to act. As a young person, I sincerely believe that we need more people like Dahlia to lead and influence our youth. Most needed are female leaders in our struggle for justice; whilst I have come across many, none has matched Dahlia’s sincerity and humility.