I stand before you as a member of the 4B movement, a group of women refusing to bow to societal expectations. This is indeed personal. Daily, I witness the hounding of women by men who seem to derive their sense of power and validation by objectifying us and refusing us our basic rights. Indeed, the rise of figures such as former President Trump and his male supporters only served to further embolden these attitudes of misogyny and disrespect towards women and children.

Now, it is time to bring about change, time to advance legal safeguards to protect women like myself who choose not to have children and demand all-encompassing gender equality. According to the United Nations, up to 7 in 10 women around the world experience physical and/or sexual violence at some point in their lifetime. This can no longer be our reality. We urge for legislative efforts that secure our rights and don’t confine us to trite societal norms that end up marginalizing us.

Hence, i call for signature in support of this petition. The aim is to bring together voices that stand firm against the marginalization of women, regardless of our choices. Together we can instigate change. Sign this petition today.