Girl Up is an initiative created by the United Nations fostering female leadership, success and empowerment. There are many chapters of Girl Up throughout high schools in 155 countries, including at Manual.
The club held their annual period product drive from Sept. 5 to Oct. 18. They achieved record high numbers in both period product accumulation and meeting attendance, with around 40 boxes of menstrual products and more than 30 members in attendance last Friday.
“We have been very successful with our period drive,” Girl Up Vice President Ainsley Masterson (10, J&C) said. “We have already restocked our bathrooms a bunch.”
Girl Up fills boxes in the bathrooms with period products, providing essential care to female students.
Along with providing menstrual products to students, Girl Up fosters creativity and community engagement. Last Friday, the board of directors presented female artists and their impact on feminism and the world. When they opened the discussion to the rest of the class, many shared their appreciation for artists like Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez. Other students acknowledged non-musical artists like Frida Kahlo and Maya Angelou.
“I really like learning about the history of different female figures and how they have impacted different categories of work, like art, music and business,” Gina Franck (9, YPAS) said.
Franck’s passion for exploring women’s history in different fields has opened the door to recognizing and relating to the unique challenges that women face. By studying these notable women, she has gained insight into the factors that influence women’s experiences compared to men, ultimately helping her feel more confident and informed.
“I just wanted to feel more comfortable as a woman and understand why some things happen to women that don’t happen to men,” said Franck.
Girl Up frequently discusses plans of action against female-based-violence and the lack of professional, athletic and academic opportunities that play a role in their lives.
“We need to empower girls through education, and that is exactly what we’re doing at Girl Up,” said Franck.
Adding upon the many reasons Manual students join Girl Up, some members like the club for something different.
“Even though it’s only been my first year on Girl Up, I’ve met new people. And I like that I don’t have to worry who’s coming to the meetings because I always have someone to talk to,” Samantha Cole (11, YPAS) said.
This positive environment has influenced the club’s continuity and contributed to increased membership from previous years. Girl Up’s board of directors’ emphasis on the acceptance of everyone has caused members to come back and new members to join the community.
Girl Up meets every Friday and is welcome to anyone who wants to join. For more information, visit their Instagram.
