2. WHY DOES IT RESONATE FOR YOU?
As a woman, the topic of gender equality, specifically the empowerment of women, is very important to me
because it affects my world: the way I see it, the way I interact with it, and the way I live it. I am aware of the
fact that I am very fortunate. I am alive during a time where I have countless opportunities that women did
not have a hundred, fifty, or even twenty years ago. These opportunities were made possible by women
before my time who fought for the rights that so often get taken for granted. I want to ensure that future
generations of young women continue to have the same and even more opportunities than I had.
3. On the local level, there are already numerous
clubs and organizations in and around the
community that offer services specifically for
women. At the local gym there are women only
fitness classes examples being women’s barbell
club and women’s kickboxing class. Many
churches in the area have women’s society groups
that work to connect women in the community. In
addition to these groups more girls and young
women’s clubs in the public school setting would
benefit the community. More clubs that focus on
exposing young women to non-traditional female
professions, such as STEM fields, would be a great
way to induce change starting with younger
generations.
your interest
How can
be applied
locally?
Science | Technology | Engineering |
Math
S. T. E. M.
4. WHERE CAN YOU MAKE THE GREATEST CONTRIBUTION?
I am a believer that one of the best ways to make an impact is by leading by example. Three years ago I
took up powerlifting as a hobby. The weight section of the gym has traditionally been thought of as male
dominated. My hope is to show women that they also have a place not only here, but in other traditionally
male dominated spaces. Powerlifting is an interesting example too in the sense that it breaks societal norms
in more than one way. First it introduces women into a traditionally male dominated space and secondly it
teaches women that they possess great physical strength. Lifting weights encourages and allows women to
push the boundaries of how femininity is defined, frees previous schools of thought, and offers limitless
possibilities for personal growth both mentally and physically.
5. IS THERE A FEATURE OF SOCIAL MEDIA THAT CAN BE UNIQUELY
APPLIED TO THIS GOAL?
The use of social media to empower women has already been seen. In recent news, the #MeToo movement
has been at the top of national headlines. The hashtag spread virtually overnight on social media which
brought the topic of sexual assault into the national spotlight. #MeToo united sexual assault victims around
the globe and the movement grew as there is strength in numbers. Now there is extensive coverage on all
media platforms on this issue. The issue has been noted by media in politics, national newsrooms, USA
Gymnastics, and Hollywood just to name a few. It was TIME Magazine’s person of the year in 2017 as well
the 2018 Golden Globes topic of the night. The great thing about social media is that it has the ability to
raise awareness to a level where it can no longer be ignored. This is just one example of the ability of social
media, specifically the hashtag feature, to link people together who share similar thoughts, ideas, and
experiences on targeted subjects.
http://time.com/time-person-of-the-year-2017-silence-breakers/
https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/awards/golden-globes-2018-metoo-casts-shadow-over-celebration-movies-tv-n835451
