What is happeningin Africa{& elsewhere}is becausethe mendid not listen to the women & the womendid not listento the womeneither& becausethe people did not listen to each other & themselves& becausenobody listenedto the children& the poets.- Alice Walker
In her book "The Other Side of War: Women's Stories of Survival & Hope," Zainab Salbi presents a sobering reflection on the consequences of neglecting the voices of women, children, and poets in society. Alice Walker encapsulates this sentiment by highlighting the breakdown of communication among individuals. She emphasizes that problems in Africa and beyond arise from a failure to heed the perspectives of different groups, particularly women and children, as well as a general lack of listening to one another. This poignant observation underscores the importance of inclusive dialogue in addressing societal issues. When communities fail to engage with the insights of women and children, they miss valuable perspectives that can lead to healing and progress. Walker’s quote serves as a call to action, urging people to foster a culture of listening and understanding across generations and genders to promote peace and resilience in the face of conflict and hardship.
