Gender Equality Club founder Haley Moss / Photographer: Phaedra Osborn
Senior Haley Moss recently started the Gender Equity Club at Orcas Island High School. We interviewed her about the club and its importance.
Q: How would you describe your club in a couple of sentences?
A: Gender Equity Club educates, empowers, and advocates for students. We hope to provide an opportunity for students to learn more about gender equity issues as well as allow for other students to have a safe space for reporting issues and concerns.
Q: What is your reasoning behind starting this club?
A: Gender Equity is something that is really important to me. I believe that men and women should have equal opportunities and rights, not just in a school setting, but as nation, and even world-wide.
Q: Are you planning to have a wide or narrow focus?
A: Because our club is still up and running our focus is still very wide; any and all gender issues are up for discussion. As the year goes on, our focus may narrow down.
Q: Are you planning any projects to do as a club?
A: This year we hope to do workshops and other informational sessions to spread awareness. Currently, we are starting off small by making informational posters.
Q: Why do you feel your club is important to have?
A: Having a gender equity club is very important in order to inform and support others. While many may want to believe that equality has been achieved in this country, we have a long way to go. In order to make big changes, we need to start small and that is what we are striving to do.
Q: Is your club turning out like you thought it would?
A: Definitely! There has been a large and diverse turnout that is really awesome to see. Everyone has shown a level of passion for the topic that has shown through. I know that I can count on these peers of mine to uphold the values that our club has as we seek gender equity in our school.
Q: What would you like the community to know about your club?
A: Gender equity is not just a club focusing on women’s rights, but is in fact looking at the equity of all genders. It is important that all people, no matter what gender, are treated fairly and with respect, not just women.