In a time when conversations about women’s rights and social justice feel more urgent than ever, Prep’s Feminist Interest Group (FIG) steps up as a powerful force on campus. FIG is more than just a club, it’s a community dedicated to advocacy, inclusivity, and personal growth.
Pearl Steele ‘26, one of FIG’s student leaders, reflected on how being part of the group has shaped her perspective and confidence beyond the school walls:
“Since becoming a member and leader of FIG, I am more interested in speaking about feminist issues with family and friends. Especially right now, when microaggressions against women are very common, whether in the workplace, school, online, or at home. Being in FIG has empowered me to say something when I see or hear things that are disrespectful and derogatory towards women.”
This sense of empowerment extends into leadership roles as well. For Steele, “being a leader is so gratifying. It is so nice to know that I am doing my part to try and foster a better community here at Prep.”
Ms. Campbell, the faculty moderator of FIG, has seen firsthand how the group creates a meaningful space for students, and for herself.
“Being surrounded by like-minded, smart women has been such a rewarding experience,” she shared. “It makes me even more proud to be a woman and to share that pride with students.”
As a former student at Prep, Ms. Campbell has also witnessed how attitudes toward feminism have evolved over time.
“When FIG first started, feminism had a very different reputation,” she explained. “It was a highly political term, and some people saw it as a dirty word. There were a lot of different opinions, and not everyone was bought in. But now, the term has been reclaimed, and there’s a greater understanding of what feminism truly means.”
Currently, FIG is focused primarily on women’s rights within the U.S., especially in light of growing concerns over recent rollbacks on key protections, including Roe v. Wade which has created state-level restriction on abortion access, affecting the reproductive healthcare for women.
“Many people are confused, concerned, and above all frightened that our rights will be dismantled more than they already have been,” Steele shared. “Having FIG as a resource to openly share your opinion and be with other girls who share the same frustration is very beneficial to navigating our current world and helping girls feel less alone.”
But FIG’s focus doesn’t stop at gender issues, it’s deeply rooted in intersectionality. Members are intentional about connecting feminist activism to broader movements, from racial justice to LGBTQ+ rights.
“Feminism is directly tied to many other social justice issues,” Steele explained. “Racial justice, for instance; girls and women of color are disproportionately affected by economic injustice, as they have the largest wage gap nationally compared to their male counterparts.”
Inclusivity is central to the group’s mission. FIG welcomes students of all identities, spreading the message that feminism isn’t limited by gender.
Steele added, “You don’t need to identify as female to be a feminist, and that is a message we are trying to spread at Prep. The more people on board, the better!”
Ms. Campbell echoed this sentiment, praising the group’s efforts to be open and accessible to all students. “Our leaders do a great job of making sure everyone feels welcome. FIG is very inclusive, and that’s one of the things that makes it so impactful.”
Fig’s activism also extends to education and awareness within the school. FIG keeps discussions engaging through small group talks, videos, trivia, and interactive activities, all aimed at making complex social justice topics accessible and empowering.
Through their commitment to activism, education, and inclusion, FIG is proving that meaningful change can start within the walls of a high school. By creating a space where students feel seen, and empowered to advocate for themselves and others, the group is laying the groundwork for a more informed, and socially conscious community, both at Prep and beyond.
