I recently started a club at my school called Girl Up;it is affiliated with the United Nations Foundation. What we basically do is fundraise at our school to raise money for girls in other countries to get their education, and also to spread awareness for gender equality. It’s been going great;we have raised a good amount of money and I feel proud to be apart of something that’s making a positive difference. Throughout all of the good the club has been doing, some people don’t understand it or don’t understand the true meaning of feminism.
They don’t see the real need for empowerment of today’s teenage girls.
I have had rude comments about this club thrown at me and my friends by people who aren’t educated about the issues or willing to learn.
“So are you anti-men?”
“No, not at all I just think women should have equal rights, and I’m trying to make a difference however I can.”
“Why do you hate men?”
“Like I said, I don’t. I believe in equality.”
With comments thrown at me questioning my sexuality just because I am a feminist. I think it’s really important to try and educate people however and whenever you can about equal rights for women, and everyone for that matter. I believe that if you are passionate or feel strongly about something its up to you to speak up and out about it. After another comment was thrown my way yesterday I thought to myself,
“Why is something good I’m trying to do receiving negativity? I am delivering my message in a positive light. I’m not even talking to these people, why do they feel inclined to say something negative to me?”
I realized that the stereotype these few kids have for feminism is irrelevant to the message and movement of our club. It definitely will not stop me or my friends from trying to make a positive difference. We are doing something that is creating real change in the world, and if these people want to make fun of my friends and I for doing something amazing, then go ahead.
The problem we all have internally is we allow people’s comments to get to us, we feel that what people say about us is right. Frankly, most of the time people say things they don’t mean out. Sometimes people just thrive on negativity, I can’t fault them for it, they have been conditioned. I wish I could change their minds but the stigma around feminism still remains
I wish these people would research the meaning of feminism and the real issues of gender equality in today’s society, I can’t let their opinion get to me or make me upset. If they aren’t willing to listen, then we can’t help them. But I, and the rest of the Girl Up club, will always be here if they are willing and ready to listen. No one’s comments or opinions are going to stop or slow me down from making a difference, and I honestly don’t care what they have to say about it anymore. I am not letting anyone stop me.
Learn more about Girl Up here
