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These young female activists are changing the world

Wmc Fbomb Emma Gonzalez Wikimedia 31618

In light of women’s history month, it’s important to recognize and reflect on the successes of powerful young women. Indeed, much can be learned from how young female activists are using their voices to change the world. Here are just three young women who are shaping the beliefs of a generation and galvanizing them to join the movement for equality.

  1. Emma Watson

When Emma Watson walked into the 2014 HeForShe event in a pristine white suit and declared herself a feminist, my life was thrown off balance. Watson, who famously portrayed Hermione in the Harry Potter movies, had built her career portraying a powerful female character I had revered since kindergarten. Watching that speech, not only did I witness an eloquent address from a talented actress, but the manifestation of Hermione Granger come to life. Watson gave a name to the beliefs all three of us cherish: feminism.

Since that speech, I have followed Watson’s campaign to advocate for women’s rights and have been inspired by her work. She has supported girls’ education in rural Africa as a Camfed ambassador, shone a light on ethical fashion by donning a dress made of recycled plastic bottles, visited Malawi to discuss the problem of child marriage with local chiefs, and destigmatized the word “feminism” around the globe. Indeed, Emma’s efforts to foster an open dialogue about gender equality thoroughly convinced me that feminism is not synonymous with man-hating, that it is not a dirty word, and that everyone should take pride in embracing it. By using her influence to draw attention to humanitarian issues, Emma has created a global platform for discussion, and thus has kindled a desire to join the movement within millions of individuals — including myself.

2. Emma Gonzalez

In just one month, Emma Gonzalez has helped turn her own horrifying experience with gun violence in the wake of the Parkland shooting into a national movement to change gun legislation. Gonzalez, who has notably publicly embraced her Latina, bisexual, and female identities — communities that have been stifled and marginalized since the 2016 election — while doing this work, has directly confronted the issue of gun violence by arguing that it is no longer an issue of politics, but of life and death. By being vocal about the issues at hand, Gonzalez is proving to young people across the country that they are capable of making a difference. The March For Our Lives — a national march protesting gun violence that will take place on March 24 — is a medium Gonzalez helped create so that other individuals can make their voices heard. I am excited to follow Emma on her journey, and I hope that she continues to galvanize young women to take up verbal arms against gun violence.

3. Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first caught public attention when she was cast as Rue in The Hunger Games. This decision was notoriously contested by many out of the racist belief that the character should not be played by a young girl of color. Stenberg overcame this bigotry and only emerged from backlash stronger.  Now, she is an unabashed advocate for equality, and her vocal promotion of inclusivity and self-acceptance is an inspiration to young women everywhere. Most recently, her decision to turn down a role in Black Panther to make space for darker-skinned actresses illustrates her acknowledgement of and desire to combat colorism in Hollywood. Amandla rejects the label of an “angry black girl,” but offers representation to other strong, opinionated black girls who are eager to stand up for what they believe is right. As she continues to openly discuss gender, race, and cultural appropriation, she opens up pathways for other young women to take their places within the intersectional feminist movement.

In today’s world, young women are proving that they are capable of not only joining the feminist movement, but forging their own. Progressives of all ages in this country are currently facing many attacks on their rights and beliefs, but it’s young people who have led the most vocal protests. As young people continue to rise up for what they believe in — like later this month at the March For Our Lives — it is critical they are able to seek representation from youth activists like Watson, Gonzalez, and Stenberg, who not only give names to their beliefs, but inspire them to keep fighting for what is right.



More articles by Category: Feminism
More articles by Tag: Activism and advocacy, Equality, High school, Women's leadership
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Ankita Devasia
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