Taking the Lead

 

One by one, each girl took the mic and shared one word that encapsulated in their experience at the conference. Words like “understood,” “comfort,” “appreciated,” “confidence,” and “inspiring” echoed in the theater. After giving an overview of the Girls Conference, the girls encouraged their classmates to explore the meaning of feminism and equality. Malikkah was “full of pride." She observed, "The girls were poised and very organized. They represented what the conference was about . . . and what it meant for them.”

 

The “Step Into the Circle” activity presented by the girls was especially eye opening for the Middle School audience. Students broke off into groups by grade level. The girls facilitated the groups, asking questions about adolescence or body image. If the question resonated with the individuals, they were instructed to take a step forward. In the beginning, it was hard for students to be vulnerable and answer tough questions such as Are you worried about making or keeping friends? Or, Do you ever compare yourself to others intellectually?

 

As the activity progressed, 8th grader Laine saw people get more comfortable stepping into the circle while her sister in 6^th grade, Ava, saw classmates hold back as the questions got more personal. Malikkah noticed there were more commonalities in the insecurities students have than one would assume. Watching some students gain confidence, she was surprised to see who stepped into the circle. "You saw them admitting to things you wouldn't think or know that they were feeling," she says.

 

The conference participants know that to continue to help others gain a better understanding of the issues girls face they must continue to work within themselves. When she starts to compare herself to others, Ava now reminds herself: "Not everything I see is real." Gabby, a 7th grader, agrees with Ainsley that at times, it's hard for girls to give themselves the respect they deserve. But, Gabby says, "I can do this." She is encouraged to move forward positively, knowing others around her may be going through something similar.