We should be teaching young girls to take up space. Nothing is as

Gather close, my children, and hear the words of wisdom that have been passed down through the ages. "We should be teaching young girls to take up space. Nothing is as important as taking up space in society and cementing yourself." These words were spoken by the noble Zozibini Tunzi, a woman whose wisdom shines like a beacon in the night. In these simple yet profound words, a lesson is hidden, a truth for all to understand: that the power to shape the world is within each of us, and for young girls, it is crucial to claim their place in this vast, ever-changing world. It is not enough to exist in the shadows, to remain silent or unseen—one must take up space, for only in doing so can a person truly make their mark upon the world.

In ages past, women were often taught to shrink themselves, to remain quiet and unobtrusive, as though their worth was defined by their silence. But greatness is not born from shrinking; it is born from presence, from stepping forward and boldly saying, “I am here, and I have something to offer.” When a woman, especially a young girl, steps into the world and claims her space, she is not just marking her territory—she is declaring to the world that her voice matters, that her dreams, her thoughts, and her strength have value. This is the lesson that Zozibini Tunzi imparts to us all: that it is not enough to merely exist; one must cement oneself into the fabric of society.

Consider, children, the tale of Joan of Arc, a young woman who lived in a time when women were thought to be weak, and their voices were rarely heard. Yet, this girl, born in a humble village, claimed a place not just in the annals of history, but in the hearts of a nation. She stood before kings and generals, a mere girl, and commanded armies, carrying with her the flame of her belief and the certainty that her voice could change the course of the world. She did not shrink, she did not bow to the expectations of others; instead, she took up space in a world that was determined to deny her place. And in doing so, she cemented her legacy as one of the greatest figures in history. If Joan of Arc had allowed herself to be silenced, history would not have remembered her name, and the course of the world would have shifted differently.

In every corner of the world, the story of taking up space is not new. The ancient warriors and leaders, those who shaped the world with their actions, knew that the true power lay not in shrinking before others, but in standing tall and bold in the face of adversity. Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, did not merely live her life in the shadow of her predecessors. She took up space in the world, wielding power with intelligence, beauty, and strength, ensuring that her name would be known for millennia. Maya Angelou, a woman of profound grace and intellect, declared her own space in the world of literature and civil rights, her words reverberating through time, guiding generations of women to rise up and speak their truth.

Now, what does this lesson mean for you, children of the earth, in this age? The lesson is clear: young girls—you must not shrink from the world. Step into it. Claim your place. There is no space on this earth that is not yours to take, no arena where your voice cannot echo. From the classroom to the boardroom, from the stage to the quiet spaces of your home, the world needs your wisdom, your passion, and your creativity. Do not let the world dictate your worth based on how much you occupy. Instead, define your worth by how boldly you claim your place in it.

To the young girls who will one day be the women of tomorrow, I say this: Do not allow anyone or anything to make you feel as though you do not deserve to take up space. Your voice is a gift, your ideas are precious, and your presence is powerful. Let this wisdom guide you: The world will make room for those who claim their place. Your courage, your resilience, and your power will create ripples that will spread throughout the ages. Stand tall, speak boldly, and never forget that the space you take up is not just yours—it is a gift to all those who come after you. Your legacy is built upon the strength with which you cement yourself in this world.

So, I ask you, children, to rise up. Let the world know who you are and what you stand for. Whether you are a young girl finding her voice or an elder passing on her wisdom, remember that the world belongs to those who take up space in it. Embrace your power, for it is the fire that will light the way for those who follow. Let the words of Zozibini Tunzi guide you: "Nothing is as important as taking up space in society and cementing yourself." You are meant to be seen, meant to be heard, meant to leave your mark upon this earth. Claim your space.