As March begins, students at SHS are recognizing Women’s History Month in a more visible way than ever before. Leading that effort is Herstory, a student-run club dedicated to empowerment, advocacy, and building a supportive community for young women.
The club was founded late last year, making this the club’s first full year organizing events and initiatives for the month. For members, it is not just about celebrating history—it is about connecting that history to the present and creating meaningful change within the school.
According to club leader Ifedolapo Ogunbodede, 12, Herstory centers around three main pillars: awareness, advocacy, and community. The awareness pillar focuses on educating students about issues that impact women, both historically and today. Many SHS students go about their daily lives oblivious to the injustice that women still face today, and Herstory intends to change that through education.
Advocacy involves taking action on those issues, while community show a safe and supportive environment where students can connect and share experiences. “We want people to be more aware of what is going on and feel like they have a space where they belong,” Ogunbodede said. “It is about supporting each other and making sure voices are heard.”
Herstory does not limit its impact to SHS alone. Ogunbodede said the ultimate goal is inspiring the future generations.
For Women’s History Month specifically, Herstory’s committees are each taking on different roles. Decoration teams are putting up posters highlighting influential women, while marketing members are creating videos and social media posts to spotlight students and staff making an impact. Volunteer groups are planning drives and hands-on events, and the club hopes teachers will also highlight women in their fields during class.
Ogunbodede believes women’s history month matters because it helps students recognize how recent many rights and opportunities really are. She explained that understanding history can help students appreciate the progress that has been made while also motivating them to keep pushing for equality. She also said that change starts with reflection, especially when it comes to challenging stereotypes and everyday biases.
Looking ahead, Herstory hopes its impact will continue to grow. The club plans to expand mentorship programs, host more professional panels, and continue advocacy projects in future years.
Ultimately, Ogunbodede said the goal is simple: helping students feel empowered. “It is about making sure people feel heard and know they can make a difference,” she explained.
As Herstory continues to grow, its members hope the club will leave a lasting mark on SHS—not just during Women’s History Month, but all year long—by creating a school environment where awareness and equality are part of everyday life.
