Women of Development-Part two

We hardly knew each other, We hardly ever talked, or if we did, it was all about bills and payments. But then it happened, We talked........

You are leaving Cambodia soon? She pointed out to the pictures on the fridge and asked, What about your partner?

Then I talked to her about my dreams, my worries and my concerns and my life. And I told her I want to have it all.

She smiled and said , I always knew it , I told to my daughter long time ago,,, She is not a Feminist, how she can be a Feminist, she does not look like a Feminist ,,, You see I was right !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did not know what I should say, afterward some how I managed just to listen,,, She talked and she talked about her story, she talked about her struggle with social stigmas, she talked about the rules and breaking of those rules, she talked about frustration and anger... She said:

I am a widow, I have two teenage daughters but I have a boy friend ,,, She paused ,,, She looked at my eyes, I wanted to live for my self so I decided to ignore all what people are saying about me ,,, I do not regret my choice......this is my life .

I think I have it all.

Then I said, I did not know that You are a Feminist. She puzzled and looked at me, What??? I said, I think Feminism means being yourself and living your own life... You are a Feminist.

She smiled and we looked at each others eyes. We had something in common despite all our differences ... We both defend our dreams.