Author: Grace Li
I’m excited to share this interview with WE_Society, or Women Empowerment Society, in this installment of our Student Spotlight Series, where we discuss women’s empowerment, and how WE_Society creates discourse that sparks change!
Q1: Please introduce your organization and your mission!
Hello!! WE_Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and combating harmful stereotypes. WE_Society’s main mission is to educate youth to recognize and prevent gender discrimination in schools, since it is the root of where sexism usually starts. This organization is perfect for those who can communicate with kids and can combat sexist comments (huge plus for debate enjoyers). Our organization is also perfect for those interested in law, journalism, and advocating for women’s rights. We have guaranteed publishing for writings such as essays, articles, poems and more that align with our mission and standards. We hope we can create schools a safer place and to stop the red pill from spreading as much as possible.
Q2: What specific moment or event led you to found WE Society?
I believe it all started when I was in school during our religious class period, and my teacher started talking about the old traditions of how women had to basically ‘submit’ to their husbands. The boys taunted the rest of us and I was absolutely furious. It was bizarre to me how sexist ‘jokes’ in schools are swept under the rug and people question how misogyny still exists to this day. When boys in schools aren’t educated at an early age, that is when they grow up to think we aren’t supposed to be taken seriously. Religion wasn’t the problem for me, but the culture and people’s mindset in general of treating women like objects is infuriating. I didn’t even know what a nonprofit organization was at the time, but on Women’s International day I created WE_Society in hopes of combating gender discrimination in my school. The more it grew, the more I wanted to expand my mission globally to this day.
Q3: How do you believe writing can be a channel for change?
Writing can absolutely have a huge impact on the world by shaping how people see certain issues. Once fresh perspectives are brought into the picture, it influences how people think and actions will start to fall into place by challenging harmful stereotypes and inspiring people to reflect and respond. Every piece we publish is evidence that change is still possible within a community. When you read them, you’ll feel that urge to do something just as empowering and that’s when it starts to actually to fill your mind that, humanity is not doomed after all. It just takes one push, one poem, one article, one essay, to change your whole life. That’s when we still have the power to lead change. I think it’s really beautiful and I will never ever understand why some people prefer AI over real writing.
Q4: What is the most meaningful moment you’ve had with WE Society?
Since our organization is quite new, I found the hiring process with the staff really endearing. Talking to girls my age, all different but with the same look in their eyes, and the same dedication in their voices with the hope that this organization can actually create change. WE_Society did not only built my confidence, but it also gave me a sense of leadership. Leading these girls to bring our initiative to life is such a humble moment and I’m incredibly grateful for everything they’ve contributed. I’m looking forward to expanding our team with more devoted members.
Q5: How can youth help your cause?
Youth can help our cause by turning awareness into action. Young people are already active online, outspoken, and willing to challenge norms so they can use that influence to amplify women’s voices and share educational content on certain issues. After all, youth is the reason why equality is starting to take place. They never settle for less and are not afraid to speak up. Nonetheless, by using our own voices to bring awareness, a huge number of students can follow our steps and truly bring an impact.
Beyond social media, youth can contribute through volunteering and organizing small community initiatives. Even amplifying their voices by asking questions and starting discussions with fresh perspectives. What makes youth powerful is their creativity and courage which is exactly what WE_Society wants to promote. When young people care, they change cultural stereotypes that are essential for women’s empowerment to last.
Support WE_Society on their socials here:
Website: https://wesocietyempowerment.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we_society_/
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