Jevan Wilkins ’27, a member of Lean in Feminism Club’s executive board (e-board), walks through the halls listening to the voices of other students, whose opinions reflect their lack of understanding of the feminist topics they’re speaking about. 

After a long day, students are able to attend the weekly Lean in Feminism Club meeting, where they’re able to freely express themselves and learn more about feminist topics such as medical bias against women, how gender impacts voting, etc. 

Lean in Feminism is a club dedicated to establishing an environment in which students are able to freely express themselves and their beliefs while simultaneously educating each other on feminist thought, its unique meaning to everyone, and feminist history. The club cultivates empathy and communication skills for the members of the club, who are pushed to voice their opinions and develop unique beliefs while understanding other perspectives. 

“A typical meeting consists of any member preparing and presenting on a relevant topic and prompting discussion of the topic,” Wilkins said. “Anyone can come in and say whatever they want, and the person presenting will teach about it.”

The club has an annual fundraiser during Women’s History Month in March, where they make buttons and donate the money to charity, a previously taught topic. This year, they’re donating to the Society for Women’s Health Research, an organization that conducts medical research on women to fill the gaps caused by gender bias.  Janessa Gerber, the sponsor of Lean in Feminism Club, notes the various activities that the club runs and events they host.

“E-board and members decide everything we do outside of March when we have our annual fundraiser,” Gerber said. “We do club collaborations; we’ve done collaborations with the Styler, Knitting and Crochet Club, and have plans to collaborate with Film Club in April.”

The club collaborations result in Lean in Feminism Club expanding the outreach of the club and educating more students about feminist issues, such as experiences of women in corporate workplaces, political discussion, and more. Nomin Odpurev ’27 notes that the club is important during polarized times, where many women are unable to receive an equal education to their male peers, an issue Odpurev is passionate about.

“Lean in Feminism is super-important, especially now when women are consistently marginalized throughout the world and looked over,” Odpurev said. “We all have varying opinions but share the values of feminism and equality for all people.”

The club aims to minimize the oppression at Stevenson and in larger communities through their various activities. The e-board aims to establish the club as a safe space where all are welcome. Wilkins agrees with Odpurev, noting that the value of equality unites the club, resulting in a strengthened community within the club. 

“The club is based on the shared value of equality,” Wilkins said. “It’s nice how Stevenson has such a diverse community because we can see feminism in various cultures and establish cultural interconnectedness and understanding.”

At Lean in Feminism Club, diversity among both people and their values are encouraged, and disagreements and discussions are valued. Gerber also ensures that the club focuses on a balanced representation of differing values and viewpoints.

“We don’t shy away from disagreement,” Gerber said. “Students’ lives will be filled with dissonance and disagreement, and for high school to avoid being a place for that would be a great disservice. We’re not trying to establish a level of normality; there is as much internal diversity within feminism as there is between feminists and non-feminists out there.”

Gerber believes that diversity of opinion within the club allows the club to be a better space for learning for all people and that the club is always open to hearing all educated opinions. Not only does Lean in Feminism Club promote the value of equality, but it also fosters the growth of life skills for members who flourish within the club.

“This club has helped me a lot with my skills with other people,” Wilkins said. “I’ve been able to become much more comfortable with public speaking, communication, and self-expression during my time on e-board.”