The whole purpose of the club is to make people aware of the struggles that many women face every day just because of their gender. We strive to make it known that being a feminist is not a bad thing at all—just misunderstood. We also want people to know that, while the name of the club says “women”, male students are encouraged to join in support of everything we aim to accomplish.
While our first meeting brought around 40 students (mostly female, and we would have had an even larger turnout if it wasn't for certain after-school activities), a large portion of the student body is still either hesitant or completely opposed. Some negative comments about WLO have been made behind our backs, and some right to our faces.
A group of male students has made the comment that there should be a “Men’s Leadership Organization”. First of all, that makes no sense. Men are already predominant in leadership positions, so why have a club promoting awareness for that? What would members do as a part of that club—have discussions about why females should not be doctors or CEOs or how men are more skilled in the area of leadership? If this comment was meant as a joke, it’s not funny. This proves that we can't even seek equality or empowerment without someone else making it all about themselves.
One thing that I can’t wrap my head around is that it isn't just male students making jokes and rude comments, but there are also many female students who are not in support of our mission at all. One girl remarked that women are already equal enough to men, so there’s no reason to have a club geared toward promoting equality. Excuse me, what? Women are already equal to men? You must be from the future, because I’m still pretty sure that they’re not.
*Examples: Men are more likely to be chosen for a job in a higher position, women are paid 33% less for doing the same work that men do, many women around the world are not allowed access to the same amount of education if any at all, the list could go on and on.
So, tell me again that women and men are viewed and treated as equals. Tell me that there is no reason to empower young women to strive for excellence in their everyday lives.
Educating: that is what WLO represents.
Yes, we may face opposition from all sides. Will that stop us? No.