This week I chose to watch Girl Connected, a powerful film that explores the lives of girls from Bangladesh, Jordan, Kenya, and India, as they work to demolish the gender inequity and brutality that they face in their everyday lives. Each of the five girls is fighting hard and thus they are an inspiration to not only their companions, but us watching the film as well. Some of the issues that the girls are fighting to end are the right to an education, child marriage, gaining knowledge of self-defense, depressing the rates of teen pregnancy and the freedom to be expressive. Witnessing their day to day in this film was insightful because we get to see how all prevalent the issue of gender discrimination and violence is and in turn, the courage it takes for these girls and others to partake in activism. As per Wendy Syfrets’ How to Think Like an Activist, “Every right, liberty and security we have exists because someone stood up and fought for it.” This is a truth that must be recognized when we discuss activism. After watching Girl Connected and reading this week’s readings, I would define activism as the courage to speak up against what is wrong, regardless if that means having to fight when need be, all in the name of bringing change for the greater good. Activism requires tenacity because change does not come easy, nor does everyone have the spirit to fight for what is right. 

            Some ways in which I have engaged in activism are through attending protests. During the summer prior to the covid19 pandemic, there was a Black Lives Matter march by my home and there were a few people that made speeches prior to the march. It was a great feeling to see that so many people had attended and were listening attentively- silently and receptively. I believe that attending walks, marches or protests that occur is a helpful and realistic way to engage in activism. When it comes to gender justice, I think educating those that are unaware is important but I believe that speaking up when the time is right is even more important. When someone is facing discrimination or some sort of oppression, I believe that it is up to any bystanders to speak up and not remain quiet. There is also a need for advocating the rights of all genders, in all settings because transgender individuals do face discrimination or obstacles when they are seeking professional help.