By Lujain Al-Khawi (SHM)
Spring break is an opportunity to explore new worlds and meet new people, and although I did not travel far, I was able to achieve this goal. Alongside nine other girls from the other three WLP cohorts, I was fortunate to attend the 12th annual National Young Feminist Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. I learned so much about political organizing, global women’s rights and health, and most of all, campus organizing tactics, a skill I hope to hone during my college experience.
The first two days were spent attending workshops and caucuses where we spent most our time listening to experts speak on various topics-from women’s reproductive rights to sustainability. We were also given the opportunity to network with other peer activists, many of which were involved in feminist organizations in their respective college campuses. I was inspired by the work that these feminist speakers and college activists have done, and I am incentivized to do more for women’s rights in my own community and college campus.
One of my favorite workshops was on the subject of sustainability, and I was especially inspired by Dolores Huerta’s speech. Mrs. Huerta is a longtime role model to many in the Latino and feminist communities, and it was empowering just to be in the same room as her. I also enjoyed a talk on empowering undocumented students to advance through higher education. I voiced my thoughts during almost every session, and it was encouraging to see other girls my age do the same. I even shared my experiences of becoming the first female in the GW Freshman Advisory Council to wear a headscarf.
The third day of the event was definitely my favorite because it was spent lobbying for women’s issues in the U.S. Capitol, an activity I tremendously appreciate. Alongside my newly-made friends Fathia and KayCee, who had come all the way from South Dakota, we lobbied many Midwestern and East Coast U.S. legislators on the need to end violence brought upon several abortion clinics. Until today, I am in contact with my fellow Midwestern friends (I come from Blaine, Minnesota), and I am extremely pleased with my decision to spend my spring break for such a noble cause as women’s rights.
Although I am finished with my first year in the Women’s Leadership Program, I will be a female activist for eternity.