A look into Women’s History Month at GA as well as insight from The Feminist Forum Club, who planned the events for this month.
Women’s History Month is widely celebrated throughout the month of March. This remarkable month reflects on the accomplishments that women in the past and present have brought to society. Women’s History Month has been incorporated into our GA community through GA’s Feminist Forum Club, or FemFo. Mrs. Burnett and Ms. Graffam, the FemFo faculty advisors, as well as Clara Alger ’22, Sofia Eichsteadt ’22, and Caitlin Boland-Szura ’22, the FemFo student leaders, have organized events and discussions to get the community involved in celebration.
Recent events have included poetry readings, a musical performance in the library, feminist-inspired thought wall prompts, such as choosing favorite feminist anthems or writing positive notes to female role models, and a podcast about body image, which can be found on The Academy Monthly in early April.
The FemFo leaders and Mrs. Burnett noted the importance of celebrating Women’s History Month in our school community. Mrs. Burnett acknowledged the significance of setting aside a designated time like this month to study women’s history. Alger said, “We often learn about the limitations placed on women instead of their trailblazing contributions. Having the month is a specific time to reflect and celebrate.”
In explaining why these events and discussions were chosen, the leaders described their visions for Women’s History Month at GA. Eichsteadt said, “These events celebrate women in art and literature.” Alger added, “FemFo is excited to highlight women in our own community and let them have a moment where other students can admire their work.” Boland-Szura said, “We hope to put a spotlight on students who typically do not get to demonstrate their achievements.” The purpose of the events is to ultimately raise awareness for women in our community who do not always get a voice or opportunities to express themselves.
FemFo has many goals and aspirations regarding the outcome of their events and impacts on the GA community. Eichsteadt said, “I hope we are getting people to think about these topics and perhaps gain a new perspective on their ideas. We also hope to get other students interested in FemFo and raise awareness towards the success of women.” Boland-Szura added, “FemFo’s goal is to make everyone feel like they can be a part of it and feel respected in our community.” Mrs. Burnett said, “I want everyone to feel as though they are connected and involved in this process.” FemFo strives towards getting students of all genders involved in their goal of uplifting women in our community.
Thanks to FemFo and other contributing members of the GA faculty, the celebration of Women’s History Month at GA has been quite successful. The hope is that through such events, women in our community have felt empowered and supported. Continue to look out for emails about the playlist formulated from one of the thought wall prompts, as well as the podcast!