How to Become a Women's Rights Activist in High School
Learn how to become a women’s rights activist even as a high schooler through ten simple steps! It may be easier than you can imagine. Read on to see what you may already be doing!
Thanks to the constant onslaught of intense news stories and current events, many social media outlets and influencers are inadvertently teaching young women how to become a women's rights activist.
But did you know a girls' school graduate is more likely to experience a positive environment that welcomes her to an open and safe exchange of ideas when compared to a co-educated peer? While many students at St. Agnes graduate knowing how to stand up for their beliefs, especially regarding women's rights, not all high school graduates are granted that same confidence.
Rooted in the Catholic, Dominican tradition, St. Agnes Academy challenges young women through exceptional academic preparation and transformational experiences to lead with integrity, joy, and a commitment to social justice.
Learn how St. Agnes is actively helping young ladies become strong, confident women who are sure of who they are making a difference in the world.
10 Ways to Become a Women's Rights Activist in High School
You do not need to lead a march or start a club to know how to do the right thing. Keep reading for ten simple ways to become a women's rights activist in high school. You might already be doing this and not realize you are one!
1. Support Women's Organizations and Businesses
Are you trying to be more mindful of where you shop or what corporations you support?
- Take a few minutes to research the company's ownership or governing bodies.
- Ask around.
- Get recommendations from friends.
Supporting companies owned or operated by women can help that company grow and allows them to elevate their female employees further, too.
All female institutions often manage referral lists of similar organizations or organizations owned by their alumnae. If you follow @saaalumnae on Instagram, you can see some of the many accolades accomplished by St. Agnes alumnae!
2. Consider the Intersectionality of All Women
According to Denison University, "Intersectional feminism takes into account the many different ways each woman experiences discrimination." While living in a silo of our experiences might be easy, we must constantly be open to learning and exploring what women of other circumstances might face. If we do not think about others, we cannot truly work with and for all women.
3. Ask Questions
Often protocol remains in place due to a lack of someone simply asking, "Why is it done this way?" Be bold and ask why things are done a certain way. There's a chance whatever it is was established years ago without consideration of gender, race, or physical ability.
4. Speak Up
See something, say something. You do not need to start a riot each time you see something that makes you uncomfortable.
If a friend is treated poorly or you see someone receive unfair treatment, share this with a friend or classmate you trust or bring the issue to your counselor or teacher. Chances are you will regret staying silent more than being brave enough to say something.
5. Be an Ally
Similar to number four, support those who are victims of unfair treatment. Walk with them to the counselor, help them submit a report, and hand them a tissue; no act is too small.
Need help figuring out how to be a friend to someone struggling? Simply being there to listen and saying "I'm here" speaks wonders.
6. Work to Overcome Stereotypes
Learning to overcome stereotypes around gender, race, age, and more can help you become a better leader, listener, classmate, and future colleague.
Work to learn different "microaggressions," such as mistaking a female in scrubs as a nurse when she is, in fact, the chief surgeon.
7. Be/Find a Mentor
No matter the stage of your life, connecting with a mentor is always a good idea. A mentor to a high school-aged young adult can help guide them to a path of what they should study in college, the best extracurriculars that might interest them the most, or even lend an ear for life's dramas.
Many schools have an Alumni Director who serves as an incredible resource to find and create connections. In need of guidance or a link to someone in a profession of interest to you? Reach out to the alumnae office to see what options might be available!
8. Say Thank You
It's always possible to tell someone how they impacted you for the good. Do you frequently remember a teacher, relative, mentor, or coach who inspired you to be your best self? Shoot them a quick note to tell them how their actions stick with you today!
9. Take Care of Yourself
How can you expect to advocate for others if you can't advocate for yourself? Take time to nurture your mental and physical well-being through rest, fitness, time with loved ones, or enjoying your favorite hobby. Recharging can do wonders for your mental health.
10. Remember to Celebrate Women
On the daily, be the best cheerleader you can be to your friend or classmate who achieves the high score or scores the winning goal!
Also, celebrate International Women’s Day every March 8th:
- Remember how far we have come in the women's rights movement.
- Acknowledge how far we still have to go on issues such as gender equality, violence, and abuse against women.
St. Agnes: How to Become a Women's Rights Activist with Joy
The International Coalition of Girls' Schools reports that a girls' school graduate is more likely to deal effectively with stress, pressure, opportunity, and challenge than a co-educated peer.
With all of today's pressures constantly weighing down on the world's youth, it is nice to know that students have the opportunity to exit high school with the skills needed to be strong adults as they move on in their futures.
Want to learn more about how to become a women's rights activist through a joyful approach? Get in touch with the Wellness Center to find support as you tackle complex issues during your high school journey!
