By Maddy Cooper
“I have seen sexism in basically every area of my life.
“I decided it was time to show women how to empower each other, and show men that it’s okay to be empowered.”
So, senior Christina Thorpe established Delta High School’s new Women’s Empowerment organization.
The last women’s organization, Women Empowering Women, was created in 2015.
“One of the main reasons why [I started Women’s Empowerment] was: I really got tired of experiencing sexism from both men and women,” Thorpe says.
She recalls times where she was judged for what her physical appearance is “supposed to be” instead of the person she is and all that she has accomplished.
Front: Zela Tschopp, Alayna Anderson, Maddy Cooper, Christina Thorpe, Mackemzie Lipps and Hailie Woodring. Back Row: Lelia Strong, Josey Morris, Myla Fink, Avery Stinson, Elle Groves, Makayla Thorpe, Julia Stultz and Madalyn Milner. (Photo by Emily Lamb)
Thorpe, along with faculty sponsors Mrs. Julie Fierce and Mrs. Emily Lamb, spent weeks creating the organization and its core values.
The basis of WE is for creating “a safe space to see what women supporting women truly looks like,” as stated in the organization’s mission statement.
The organization also emphasizes the importance of inclusion and is welcoming to anyone and everyone interested.
Students who are interested can talk to Thorpe or one of the sponsors for information.
There is also an Instagram account for WE, called “deltawomensempowerment” where information is posted.
WE also has goals set in place for this school year.
Thorpe and the sponsors all want to take part in community service projects or fundraisers for the community. They hope to introduce free feminine hygiene product stations for the school bathrooms.
The other leaders of WE, vice president Hailie Woodring and secretary Mackemzie Lipps, also have played a big part in the creation of the organization and its goals.
“They are very thoughtful and enthusiastic, but also honest and open about personal experiences,” Lamb says.
The sponsors agree that this will help other members connect with each other during the meetings.
The organization plans to meet every Friday at 8:10 a.m. in Fierce’s classroom, room 225.
Throughout these meetings, Thorpe hopes to discuss topics such as body image and societal standards and even celebrate International Women’s Day in March.
Thorpe also wants to introduce a meeting segment called Girls For Girls.
In GFG, a member of WE will open the meeting with a small presentation on a woman in their life, or even on the internet, that inspires them.
“Highlighting the impact of women in our society helps build us up and inspires us to continue to break through that glass ceiling.” Lamb says.
And that is Thorpe’s biggest aspiration for WE.
She wants to make a change at Delta, no matter what people may say.
Fierce agrees.
“I think boys will talk smack about us on the internet, but that is to be expected,” Fierce says. “This will just motivate us by further shedding light on the importance of [this organization].”
Overall, Thorpe wants those who attend WE to find it liberating and empowering and for the organization to be a safe space for everyone.
She also hopes that members become as passionate about the organization as she is.
Thorpe says WE is something she’ll carry in her heart forever, and she hopes it will impact others the way it has impacted her.
