Young feminists club takes flight

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North High Schools new Young Feminist club poster. This club is lead by honors English II teacher Leslie Baumann.

Erin Mayle (Senior), Feature Editor

   The Young Feminist Club at Westerville North has just recently started up again with its first meeting of the year on Monday, Sept. 27. There was a large turnout of both students and staff, all hopeful for a future with fewer inequalities and gender discrimination not just at North, but in our community as a whole.

   North teacher, Beth Henman is the new advisor for the Young Feminist club this year.

   “I think it’s necessary because I think all groups should be valued, especially any group that represents a minority. There have been different incidents in our community and around our school, so I think it gives an outlet for those voices,” Henman said.

   First-year teacher Michaela Baum attends the group’s meetings and is passionate about its message.

   “I decided to attend the first meeting of the Young Feminists Club because I wanted to see all the bright minds that are advocating for equal rights for all people,” Baum said. 

   The newly gathered group has a focus on education as well as empowerment. Feminism covers a range of issues that harm minorities in ways many students aren’t aware of. YFC hopes to use education on these issues to build confidence in such groups.

   “I’m hoping to get some guest speakers in to educate the community and enhance the culture of the school. I’m hoping to get a self-defense class going, and I’m even hoping to do some different kinds of workshops,” Henman said.

   Members of the Young Feminists Club are aware of the mixed feelings some have towards the group. Misconceptions some students have about the word feminism as well as harmful ideas regarding women’s equality go against everything YFC stands for.

   “[A misconception] is that it’s only for girls and women, and that only angry white women are feminists but it’s for all people and all ages. We’ve had staff members come and I’m hoping to have some guys come to our group,” Henman said.

   Baum is one teacher who sees the value in being a part of this kind of group.

   “I wanted to show my students that I support them and are passionate about the same issues they are,” Baum said.

    Caroline Kauh (11) also recognized the stigma surrounding feminism at North.

   “Most of my friends don’t talk about women’s rights/feminism, so I wanted to join in order to have those conversations,” Kauh said.

   Members of the Young Feminists Club want all North students to feel welcome.

   “You can be a feminist without being a girl. It just means supporting those voices and empowering all people. That’s definitely the biggest misconception, or that it’s man-bashing. It’s not that at all. It’s about empowering women,” Henman said.

   Kauh agrees that many fallacies surround the idea of feminism, but she is hopeful that the Young Feminists Club will help change that.

   “If we can inform people about what feminism really is, more people will leave this school feeling like they were respected,” Kauh said.

   Along with tackling myths and misconceptions about the reality of feminism, members of the Young Feminists Club and its organizers put emphasis on education.

   At the club’s first meeting, advisors encouraged members to think of new issues within the world of feminism that the group could explore more in-depth.

   “If you perceive a problem, find out as much about it as you can and then [ask yourself] what’s the best way to make your voice heard about it,” Henman said.

   Baum agrees and feels that the group can provide a way to shine a light on issues that impact many students in their own community.

  “It is a place for young people at our school to go to fight for the justice they deserve in our district,” Baum said. 

   “YFC can hopefully play a role in creating a safe space to talk,” Kauh said.

   Westerville North’s Young Feminists Club wants to change the culture not just at North but in the community as a whole.

   “I have two daughters of my own and I see some of the things they tackle and grapple with as they’ve been becoming young adults, so that personally is a big impact for me,” Henman said.

   Members emphasize that Young Feminist Club is a safe space and encourage both students and staff alike to be a part of something that is bigger than themselves.

   “Feminists can be any gender (cis or trans), any sexuality, any religion, and any race. Inclusion is the basis of feminism, and YFC welcomes all,” Kauh said.

   “I believe students will feel empowered by this group to be their true and authentic selves without fear,” Baum said.

   Westerville North’s Young Feminists Club wants to see new members and work on big issues that will make our community a more accepting and inclusive place to live and learn together.

Young Feminists Club Instagram Handle.