Schedule for Change

On the disadvantages girls and non-gender conforming students face in the education system, told by students themselves, along with teacher perspectives.

BY: Sofia Pena, Bernadette Berbon, Juliette Lin & Jacqueline Aguirre

School plays a huge role in a child’s future, influencing things such as their personalities, actions, and beliefs. When the education system ingrains harmful ideologies into young children, it encourages them to be ignorant of what’s around them. That is why it’s important for children to be exposed to different perspectives, so that they have the opportunity to form their own opinions.

BEFORE YOU WATCH THE FILM, ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS:

1. Have you ever had any negative experiences while in school?
2. Have you noticed a negative attitude toward certain topics like periods while you are at school?
3. Do you think your school offers enough resources for girls?
4. Do you feel that any of your school‘s policies negatively affect girls and non-gender conforming students, or do not consider the perspective of these students?

AFTER WATCHING THE FILM, LET’S ASK OURSELVES:

1. Have you gained a new perspective on the possible injustices in your own school?
2. What conversations can students have with teachers and school staff to better this situation?
3. How can your school’s sexual education curriculum be improved?
4. How do you think teachers and other school staff can create a safer environment for girls and non-gender conforming students in school?

Organizations:

• Planned Parenthood
• August Period Company
• Women’s Sports Foundation

• WATCH + SHARE THIS FILM (with anyone and everyone) on your Instagram account and use these hashtags: #girlsvoicesnow, #womensvoicesnow, #scheduleforchange, #empathytoaction, #myperiodisnotasecret, #stopsexualizingmybody, #demolishdresscode, #girlsports #selflove, #selfcompassion, #selfexpression, #fightingoppression, #raisingawareness, #doublestandardsm, #equalityinschoolsports, #inequality
• Talk to your school board if there are any school policies that you disagree with.
• If possible, start petitions and/or protests against certain rules, policies or inequalities in your school.
• Find resources like Planned Parenthood to educate yourself about things your school does not teach.
• Support your school’s girls sports team! Try going to a few games. Sports that receive the most attention typically get more funding.
• Have meaningful conversations with people around you, including those who have the power to change things.
• Vote in local elections if possible. If you’re a minor, speak to adults close to you and inform them about the cause.

We are Girls’ Voices Now! To learn more about this program visit womensvoicesnow.org

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