“Dear Young Woman”: a poem of empowerment

“I see all the armour you wear. I see all the jewels and gems of wisdom you share. It’s okay to shine.” Britta B performs “Dear Young Woman” in our series Poetic License.

“A word that comes to mind for this piece is ’empowerment,’” Kingston-born and Toronto based spoken word poet, teaching artist, mentor and emcee Britta Badour says of her poem Dear Young Woman. “As a poet I really want to serve as an encouraging voice through my work and I want this poem to be a reminder that whatever you’re going through as a woman you have the choice to make for yourself on how gentle and kind you are with yourself.”

“I may be putting this out there as a message for people other than me, but it’s also a reminder to myself to treat myself kindly and to be good to myself.”

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[ascension_maintained]

'I beg you to believe in yourself more than your parents ever did. " 💌🕊

Heres to More revelations than disrespect and regrets 🥂

[alociaofficial]

"It's okay to shine, ma"- lmao don't know why I blushed

[udemeeee]

Such a beautiful poem!! I feel so uplifted and empowered. A phenomenal "Young Woman" wrote this. Much love ❤️.

[DonnaSnyder]

Thank you. I am an old woman but it still sang through my bones, drummed through my flesh. Again, thank you.

[shouko]

I’m a man, and I felt empowered, great poem!!!

[larasmith]

🦋 Stop lowering your bar to meet the standards of others. Keep your bar high and the right people will be attracted to you

Great poem

[michellewilliams]

WOW I cant say enough about this poem. Brings me to tears every time. Would LOVE to see this done in Sign Language. My daughter wants to learn.

[jaybie_jb]

As a man, I also felt empowered by this piece. Loved her delivery and poise. You can tell she is speaking from a lot of depth. Powerful.

[adrianaleighg.]

This! Britta thank you: "Each of your breaths have lives and minds of their own, I doubt we will ever know the true impact of our presence, what a blessing." Wow. This rocks. Thank you for your truth, your sharing, your spirit. A hug to you if and when you need it from Montreal.

[judyp.]

This is one step in finding back into (good) life. Thank you of the bottom of my heart, I love you Britta. 🧡🙏

[mariaclaraguiar]

Whenever I feel unmotivated, I watch this video again. It’s always amazing💗

[leahwarrior]

Beautiful! I’m into writing my own poems and quotes. But, I remember at school being picked to read my poem I had written about the children in Brazil in São Paulo and feeling so nervous and I was shaking immensely and my voice was apparently so faint that only the first few rows in the school could hear! I think 🤔 many clapped out of pity at the time! I have more power as a woman to speak up today, but it’s taken me years! A lot to do with my childhood I guess?! But, I want to congratulate you for your beautiful, inspiring and thought provoking words and your beautiful strong and charismatic presence! Standing there with confidence and admirably so, on YouTube well done 👍 you! Keep shining your light and empowering so many! Love and light 🙏🏼💜🕊😇💫💫

[AHayhoe]

I love this poem. It really is telling me that I should not let violence turn into silence.

[kadijahdreams]

I live for this, so empowering. Believe in yourself, go for what you want!!!! ❤💞🥰

[zenmodeplease]

So moving so beautiful 💙 more power to you ... keep writing keep inspiring

[maddyhazzard]

I searched for encouraging poem readings for school and this poem was so moving and amazing and empowering towards women. Made me feel better about myself too.

[razielrules]

Brought tears to my eyes, amazing poem!

[SiminEsther]

Tears in my eye and love in my heart.
Amazing words of strength♥

[missmimi]

It's so important for young women to have this kind of people in our lives. When you grow up with narcisit parents and they don't value you, one grows up with many issues such as low self esteem and insecurities. As consequence, we spend the rest of our lives trying to heal what was broken as a child. It can be done but it's rough and one never truly recover. Great poem. Be blessed little sis😍😘

[loveeverything]

Years later and she is still a divine voice!!!!