Feminism for ALL Women: WAG Initiatives and Intersectionality

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate women’s achievements and educate ourselves on the issues that still need to be addressed. The School’s Women’s Affinity Group (WAG) is continuously discussing women’s issues. While WAG is not conducting any initiatives for Women’s History Month specifically, they believe that “It is important to celebrate and elevate women all months of the year,” according to Hannah Niles. 

In the past, WAG has been accused of lacking diversity, a safe space only for white feminism. Hannah Niles, WAG affinity leader and Health teacher at the School acknowledges this history, saying that “It was important to us to redefine WAG… as we address a history of discomfort about WAG’s whiteness.” At the start of the year, the affinity group rewrote their mission statement, explaining that feminism without intersectionality is not true feminism. 

Specifically, Niles says that “feminism that doesn’t include trans women, women of color, disabled women, and allyship is not welcome.” Student leaders Lisa Kopelnik ‘21 and Josephine Koveces ‘21 have been working to open up discussions by providing topics and perspectives that include “any and all who want to share.”

WAG has recently discussed broad topics such as the impact of COVID on women, the struggles of women on the frontline, as well as those balancing work and family life. They have also talked about the “national politics of sexual assault,” in particular the multiple accusations of sexual harassment against Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York. 

However, they are also discussing more intersectional topics, like Meghan Markle’s experience with racism in the Royal Family, as well as their excitement for Angela Davis to speak to the community at the end of the month. 

The future is looking strong for WAG, as the underclassmen in particular have been eager to join and share their voices. Lastly, Niles wants to emphasize that, “WAG is a space that is welcome to all who want to celebrate the women in their lives and learn more about women in the world.”