The Third Wave of Feminism began in the 90s and focuses on issues that are commonly disregarded by the general public, such as reproductive rights and derogatory terms. It is a revival of the Second Wave of Feminism, which began in the 70s, and seeks to accomplish anything that was not achieved earlier. Senior Miranda O’Neill founded and is the president of the Feminism Club, or Fem Club for short, to bring together student feminists.

“It is heavily a discussion group,” Miranda said. “Typically before the meeting, if things go right, I try to find articles to talk about.”

The meetings usually include students sitting in a circle discussing various topics related to their cause. The topics, which are suggested by the group members, are written on small slips of paper and drawn randomly.

“I like other people contributing things as well because I do not want to monopolize conversation,” Miranda said.

O’Neill hoped to create a safe space for people to talk about various issues that affect them. It is a common understanding among the members that feminism is the equality of all people, despite their gender, race, or sexuality.

“I joined Fem Club because I believe in equality for all people, and women have an underwhelming support for their cause,” junior Danny O’Neill, Miranda’s brother, said.

Fem Club talks about social issues ranging from domestic violence to the controversy regarding Beyoncé’s Formation music video. Everyone’s opinions on any of the issues they discuss are valued, and the students who are a part of the club make it a point to treat everyone as equals.

“To this day and age, we still have people discriminating against people based on their gender or race, and it is not fair and it is not something that should be swept under the rug,” Miranda said. “Talking about it makes it better. Taking action about it is what fixes it, not staying quiet.”

From women’s suffrage to equal pay in the workforce, females have been dedicated to the advancement of their gender. Although women achieved a great deal throughout the last century, members of Fem Club guarantee that the fight is not over.

“This is a progressive society and we need to be more accepting,” junior Malvika Sridhar said.

Feminism is relative based on an individual’s personal experiences. Issues that may be resolved in one country are still a struggle in other ones.

“Fortunately, in this country we do have equal access to education, but that does not mean we should stop fighting for that right in other counties,” Sridhar said.

Critics commonly devalue feminism as they believe that the issues in question are no longer relevant or they are overinflated.

“I think when people who are not benefitting from feminism get frustrated about it because they assume that equality is the same as oppression,” Miranda said. “For them, being equal for so long meant actively oppressing people.”

Overall, the Fem Club is a student-led discussion group that brings awareness to the hardships and struggles of minorities.

“Although I am a man, I hold feminism with high regard,” Danny said. “I hope everyone can come to the meetings on Thursdays.”