The Women’s Empowerment Club (popularly known as “Girl Up”) is making a comeback for this school year.
During spring of this year it was announced that the administration was forced to do budget cuts, meaning the elimination of the Women’s Empowerment Club, amongst many other groups for NVD.
Club Advisor, Mrs. Glick was devastated by the news. She had to inform club members that she was told she was not going to be paid and it would not be right for her to work for free.
“It goes against what the group stands for..the advancement of women in all aspects of society including pay equity,” Glick said.
She said it was hard to face, especially since the group had worked so hard to contribute to empowering women with programs such as, “self defense and important speakers such as intimate partner violence awareness to the group…and fundraisers for the Center for Hope and Safety” Glick said.
Previously, the club had over 100 members. Last school year, club presidents, Claire Song and Leah van de Ven, attempted to halt the action by conversing with administration about the changes being made.
“We tried to state our case but the decision was made,” Song said.
The Co-presidents were confused and disappointed with the end result, as club leaders and young female students.
“I thought that they would have kept one of the only clubs that advocated for gender equality,” Van de Ven said.
Fortunately, things turned around this school year and the club was given the okay to run again with Mrs. Glick being paid for her duties. Advisor, Mrs. Glick and presidents held their first meeting of the year on Nov. 2nd.
Already, the group has events and activities planed for the future of the club in order to thrive and spread the message of equality. They plan to continue self defense classes, donation drives, and fundraisers along with new additions and ideas for Women’s History Month in March.
“We’re going to start an initiative to put menstrual products in the bathrooms…hold conversations to support the empowerment of women and erasing the stigma surrounding the topic” Song said.
This club welcomes anyone, “You do not have to be a girl to join this club!” van de Ven said.
Girl Up is back and encourages both returning members and new members such as freshmen to get involved in any way possible.
“The program is so important for young women to see their power and contribute to their community,” Glick said.
