Last year, two of my friend decided to create a club. It was called “Women’s Empowerment.” However, in a matter of days, the application got denied and thrown away. The teacher that was the adviser for their proposal sent an email to the administration asking for the reason behind the denial. The, they responded, was not “school appropriate.”
A place where every student could gather around and listen to stories of empowering women, and their struggles, as well as victories against the patriarchy, was not “school appropriate.”
They were not allowed to promote the club in the scrolling announcements nor put up any posters around the school. Members of the club were allowed to have meetings, but only under the condition that no propaganda was given to the club.
The high school I am currently attending usually puts a variety of clubs and sports before student organizations such as GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) and Feminist clubs. This needs to change.
Clubs are a way for students to feel a sense of representation.
Without them, students tend to not feel connected to the school. It is important that schools at all levels make the attempt to create a comfortable place where everyone can grow, and learn from each other. I truly believe that all schools should have clubs that represent different student’s ideas and beliefs. Specially Feminist clubs. Here are some reasons why:
- They provide a safe space. They are a place where students, not only girls, can express themselves a much as they want while being surrounded by their peers who respect and appreciate them.
- Gives students a voice. Being part of a community that makes you feel safe, gives you the confidence to express yourself. Students learn that each of their voices matters. Also, it makes students realize their, and each other’s, worth.
- Brings awareness. Clubs are an excellent way to educate students, teachers, staff and members of the community on Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ and any other underrepresented group (or movement) going on at school (and worldwide).
- Created leadership. Presentations and meetings are run by members of the club. The making of a club will show members how to stand up for what they believe in.
So go ahead and make it happen. Bring Intersectional Feminism to your school. Whether you have twenty members or perhaps only two, a start is a start. It will be rewarding in the end not only for you but for the whole school. It will give a voice to students who too often are left behind.
