Isn’t it time that we encourage the boy-child 

to show emotions when he is hurting, 

rather than getting into the dangerous habit 

of burying his pain?

Isn’t it time that we encourage the girl-child

to speak up and demand to be heard, 

to wear her crown of independence and 

refuse to be constantly relegated to the kitchen?

Isn’t it time that fathers, 

not mere sperm donors, 

but fathers, step up and take responsibility 

for the precious life that they’ve helped create?

 

Isn’t it time that men understand that you cannot

walk in and out of a child’s life when it’s convenient for you?

Paying maintenance doesn’t buy you the right

to see your child when it suits you when they fear you.

 

Isn’t it time that we make it clear that paying mahadi

does not translate into ownership?

Women have never, and will never, 

become anyone’s property.

Isn’t it time that we redefine what it means to be

the head of the household?

It’s so much more than what dangles between your legs,

or how much you earn.

 

Isn’t it time that we, men, 

learn to accept and respect rejection,

no matter how bruised our ego?

NO MEANS NO!

Now is the time to review and redefine

what it means to be a real man.

Now is the time to call each other out

for despicable behaviour that breeds 

disrespect and promotes violence.

Now Is The Time!