“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”
— Audrey Hepburn
At Stand To End Rape, we understand that giving back is at the core of humanity. We also understand that those who give back don’t do it because they have nothing else to do but are passionate about humanity. This is why we love to recognize our volunteers, who go above and beyond to fight against sexual violence and actively contribute to our initiative’s day-to-day running.
This month, we would like to recognize Aaliyah. She is a member of the Mental Health and Psychological Support Department and works as a Victims Advocate at STER. In getting to know more about her, we asked a few questions:
WHAT/ WHO INSPIRES YOU?
I am inspired by the people I love, by the vast beauty of the human experience and the rhythms of nature.
WHAT IS YOUR MANTRA?
I have no particular mantra, but there are so many poems that I lean on! I generally try to approach life with a sense of openness and growth. My mantras change and expand with time.
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN?
I read for sure; I also cook or take a walk.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR I5-YEAR OLD SELF?
I will say, it is okay, not be okay; and wow, look up once in a while, the sky is beautiful! And of course the customary, believe in yourself!
WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF A SAFE NIGERIA?
I think a safe Nigeria is a safe world because safety is global, right?
So my definition of a safe world is where people have abundant resources for care and ease of access to these resources. By respect, I imagine all kinds: like food, housing, health, care as the opposite of violence etc. So if we can live in a world that works towards an abundance of care rather than scarcity, that will be a very safe world, I imagine, because that will mean we are working to address so many systems of un-safety.
Thank you, Aaliyah, for finding the time to give back. We appreciate you. Keep up the good work!!!
