If you are a student passionate about supporting and uplifting females, consider joining Girl-Up Club, an organization that strives for gender equality.
“The main purpose is to talk about things that are relative to girls right now in Evanston,” explains Girl-Up Club sponsor Qamile Sulejmani. “What we really want to do is encourage young girls in the school to do different things that are outside of their comfort zone.”
Last school year, a few juniors approached Sulejmani and asked her if she could sponsor the club. “The girls did their research and I was thrilled to sponsor them,” said Sulejmani.
The meetings are currently held every other Friday in A337B from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. They had their introductory meeting last month and it was a success. There was a turnout of about 35 girls and 2 boys. “It was a really great first meeting,” says junior Olivea Frischer. “There were so many enthusiastic girls.”
Each week, topics of interest are voted on by the students. In the first meeting they talked about consent and the girls were able to share their opinions without judgment. Other issues such as body image and women in politics are usually discussed as well. In order to become a member you have to attend at least five meetings. Anyone is welcome to join.
Eventually, the Girl-Up Club would like to plan fund raisers for girls in certain regions of the world who do not have the opportunity to go to school because of their financial needs. Donations from current Girl-Up Clubs across the nation have helped girls in countries such as Guatemala, India, Ethiopia, Malawi and Liberia.
Important women such as Michelle Obama, the Queen of Jordan and Victoria Justice are supporters of the club. According to the United Nations Foundation, there are more than 1,000 clubs registered in 43 states and 51 countries.
Luckily, there is a branch of the club here at ETHS so the next time you feel like talking about the issues that females face, visit the Girl-Up Club.