Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 07:43 am
Akuvi Aguedze is a Ghanaian protest writer, poet, and feminist. Protest writing refers to writings that highlight real sociopolitical concerns and express opposition to them. Her work focuses on advocating for women, children, and vulnerable people.
Akuvi Aguedze - Role Models
In an interview with the poet, she expressed her desire to be like Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, a 16th-century Catholic nun who used plays and poetry to protest for women’s rights. Akuvi also admires Maya Angelo and Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie.
Works by Akuvi Aguedze
Some of her poems have been published in Tsoo Boi. Tsoo Boi is an anthology of protests from exhausted voices, a collection of short stories and poems against lousy leadership, poor infrastructure, prejudice, failed institutions, and homophobia.
Books by Akuvi Aguedze
On March 8, 2022, Akuvi released her debut book, Of A Woman and Her Becoming. On March 8, 2024, she released her second book, If My Body Could Scream. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that both books, published two years apart, were launched on March 8th. March 8 has historically been marked as International Women’s Day. Launching her books on March 8 was the poet’s way of showing solidarity with all women, as her works deal with women’s issues.
Selected Poems from If My Body Could Scream
Enjoy two selected poems from If My Body Could Scream.
Sunglasses
Sometimes the sunglasses become more
Than just a fashion accessory
A shield against societal stares
A covering to hide pain and suffering
A trusted companion
A better confidant
A protection not against the sun’s tares
But against prying eyes that seek to ask
“Who did this to you?”
A Peaceful Childhood
What is peace
To a child who’s never been wrongfully touched
Is it cheerfully and trustingly skipping
To the neighbors’ house across the street
Or happily, without caution
Accepting toffee from the man next door
Never having to worry about a potential plot
To have her pay back all they’ve given her
With her body
Or never having to deal with the battle
Of figuring out whether a man is evil or not
What is peace
To a child who’s never been wrongfully touched
Watch Interview
Akuvi not only writes but also performs poetry in the style of modern spoken word.
Watch our conversation to learn more about Akuvi Aguedze.
For copies of If My Body Could Scream and Of Becoming A Woman, contact the author via WhatsApp or email.
Interviews on Peter's Box
Here are some interviews you might be interested in on Peter’s Box:
What’s next in Peter’s Box? ¡Hasta luego amigos!
