Recently at Johnston High School, pink flyers have been hung around hallways and classrooms to gather attention to the brand new Young Feminist Club, launched by JHS student Genevieve Weis ‘26. 

“I started this club because I wanted a club that would provide a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals can learn to advocate for gender equality,” Weis said. 

The club members meet together every Monday morning at 7:00 in Ms. Hayes’ room. They speak on the issues surrounding feminism, aiming to help educate each other on important topics, and promote women’s rights. However, in order for the club to start, it took a significant amount of work.

“I had to make a plan why I wanted this club, then present it to Ms. Hayes. Ms. Hayes had to sign it. Then I had to make an appointment with the principal, he had to sign it. I had to go speak in front of the school board and wait a month for them to sign it,” Weis said. 

This lengthy process took plenty of determination and dedication. The challenges of beginning a club from scratch, didn’t stop Weis. The club was officially approved in January 2025. Since then, they have been on a roll. 

“We talk a lot about what we want to do for the community. Right now we’re working on a period drive with Johnston’s Partnership,” Lauren Egan ‘26 said, a current member of the club. 

The period drive is taking place during all of April where members will work with the Johnston Partnership to gather and distribute menstrual products to those who are unable to afford them. The club was only approved a few months ago and is already making a difference in the community. 

“We also asked questions to med students who are coming next Monday to talk about women in STEM,” Weis said. 

On March 10th, club members spoke to medical students through Zoom and were able to ask them about their experience going into the STEM field that is typically male dominated. The feminist club aims to notice and help eliminate gender obstacles.

“I decided to be a part of this club because I think it’s important to have one at JHS and I think it brings people together who want to be more involved in feminism and activism,” Egan said. 

The Young Feminist Club has been a safe and positive environment for several young women of JHS to be able to grow, learn, and ask questions. By supporting each other, this club has already helped build a stronger community. It’s just the beginning of breaking barriers at JHS. 

“To me, feminism is a way to use your voice and advocate for things you want and things you’ve seen or that you know are correct. It’s a good way to expand horizons and gain a deeper and more diverse understanding of people, gender, and just sexual reproduction in general,” Weis said.