Respect is not a crown - By Vanessa Mirembe Nabukenya

Written By: Vanessa Mirembe Nabukenya

Category: poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Vanessa Mirembe Nabukenya presents her poignant poem "Respect is not a crown" as part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative piece explores the themes of respect, gender disparities, and societal expectations. Through vivid imagery and raw emotion, Vanessa challenges prevailing attitudes and invites readers to reflect on the true meaning of respect. Her work is a compelling contribution to the competition, showcasing her talent in addressing complex social issues with clarity and depth.

About the Work

"Respect is not a crown" is a powerful exploration of gender dynamics and the societal structures that perpetuate inequality. Vanessa Mirembe Nabukenya uses vivid imagery and unflinching honesty to address the injustices faced by women. Her poetic style is direct and thought-provoking, evoking a strong emotional response from the reader. The work challenges the notion of respect as something to be demanded, instead advocating for it as a virtue to be earned and shared.

Respect is not a crown

Original Submission by Vanessa Mirembe Nabukenya

Respect is not a crown

I’ve always heard them say

Men deserve everything bad and more

It never occurred to me then

That I’d look back at that saying

and whisper — I couldn’t agree more

I don’t know which event enraged me more

Was it my friend, shamed for the consequences

Of a man she trusted—

Only for him to stab her in the chest

Look her dead in the eye and disgrace her

and expect it to be okay?

Or was it a brave mother who couldn’t be laid to rest

Even after the system had failed her

Because the men made the law

and hence she had to stay

Not out of care but to prove they can

Maybe it is the bastards

who look at my curvaceous friend

Like she is prey,

an object to play with

a fantasy to wank to

The ones meant to protect and guide her

yet all they say

“Give us a chance to see what you look like and have a field day”

Perhaps it was the audacious “religious leaders” in Gambia

Who, like men for centuries

Use their authority to dictate women’s bodies

Hiding behind a good- intentioned facade,

But would go up in arms if such inhumane pain were legalized upon them

Maybe it was the man old enough to be my father

Who scuffled home after me

despite my pleas to let me be

It has never been about the clothes—

he chased after me in my dera

Was it the teenage rascals at school

who yelled in objectification?

Or the nuisance that ogled,

then let his intrusive thoughts win

and grabbed my ass?

Perhaps it was my “friend” who refused to leave my hostel room

unless I helped him “calm down”

“It’s your fault it happened.”

Please spare me the victim blaming

The women who back this folly up infuriate me most

It is the 21st century—

I should be free to wear whatever makes me happy

But even if I were covered from head to toe

it wouldn’t protect me

But hey, what would I know?

Boys will be boys.

And for the rest, God save us all

Don’t get me started on the weasels

who abuse their own seed

The thought makes me sick

And for the machos whose only language is fists

They deserve nothing less than hell’s heat

My heart bleeds for all the beautiful queens

Who have suffered at the hands of men’s greed

Thank heavens karma is a bitch

they’ll get what they deserve, you’ll see

Crazy how even they will choose the bear

Then run and yell

“Put some respect on our names”

Respect is not a crown you demand

It is one you earn

and accord to others

And until men learn that truth

The world will never be safe

for you and me

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious event that celebrates the diverse voices of writers and poets from around the world. This competition provides a platform for creative expression, encouraging participants to explore themes that resonate on a global scale. Through this initiative, Hashtag Kalakar aims to foster a community of artists who push the boundaries of literary art and engage with the pressing issues of our time.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Vanessa Mirembe Nabukenya for her powerful poem "Respect is not a crown," featured in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her contribution enriches the conversation on respect and gender equality, and we are grateful for her voice in this important dialogue. We look forward to seeing more of Vanessa's work in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.