Name, pronouns, career/job title?
Melanie Golden, she/her/hers, Coach for Middleton Gators or working at WBAC, and student.
How has being a woman impacted your life thus far?
Being a woman has been my strongest strength and my greatest weakness. It has encouraged me to work harder and be a better person because I already know that I am at a slight disadvantage because of my gender. In that way, it has forced me to be a better student and harder worker, but I know that I have additional hoops in front of me. Throughout all of my life, I have been aware of the injustice that women face on a daily basis and I have been trying, to the best of my ability, to fight that and spread awareness regarding inequality.
How has being a women specifically impacted your career?
Regarding my career, being a woman has not specifically impacted my career yet. However, I have only been working small summer jobs that were relatively easy.
In your opinion, what are the most prominent challenges facing women today?
In my opinion, some of the most prominent challenges facing women today are the wage gap and people that don't believe inequality is real. The wage gap causes women to be at a disadvantage economically and prevents them from succeeding to their full abilities. Also, a lack of belief in gender inequality eliminates all chance for equality for women.
In your opinion, what are the most prominent challenges facing underrepresented groups as a whole today? (i.e. racial minorities, those with physical and cognitive disabilities, socioeconomically disadvantaged, etc.)
In my opinion, some of the most prominent challenges facing underrepresented groups as a whole today are their inability to have their voices heard and their lack of support from those who are heard.
How has the political and social climate of social justice changed throughout your lifetime?
Throughout my lifetime, the political and social climate of social justice has become more accepting of all types of people. While this might not be all over the world or country, but there has been a greater acceptance overall.
What is of your utmost priority in terms of social justice and/ or politics currently?
My utmost priority in terms of social justice or politics is currently creating more gun control so that there is a decrease in the amount of mass shootings in the United States.
Please describe your political and/ or social activism:
For my political and social activism, I take part in clubs at my school; Teal Ribbon Club and Women's Club. In Teal Ribbon Club, I am the vice president. Also, I try to be active in political and social activism in my community.
What do you encourage others to take part in, in order to make their communities more socially and politically inclusive?
I encourage others to take part in local groups and clubs that make a difference or make their voices heard. Many schools or cities have groups/clubs that meet to talk about issues that pertain to social and political inclusivity. I also encourage everyone to be kind to everyone and treat them with respect.
Any final thoughts?
I'm very proud of and impressed of all of the work that this group has been doing regarding feminist issues and the stigma regarding menstrual cycles. As a girl who has frequently gone to self-checkout to avoid the weird looks from buying period products, I am very interested in eliminating the stigma.