Oakwood, Sobrato and Live Oak teens spoke about gender inequality
Published in the February 3-16, 2016 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Staff Report
Photo by Marty Cheek
From left, Kelsey Valentine, a junior at Sobrato High School, took second place to earn a $200 scholarship; Nikhita Gopisetty, a freshman at Oakwood High School, took first place to earn a $300 scholarship; and Lindsey Hillesland, a freshman at Live Oak High School, took third place to earn a $100 scholarship in the annual AAUW Speech Trek contest.
Three local high school girls discussed the issue of gender inequality in the third annual Speech Trek speech contest organized by the Morgan Hill branch of the American Association of University Women Jan. 26 at the Morgan Hill Public Library.
Nikhita Gopisetty, a freshman at Oakwood High School, took first place to earn a $300 scholarship. Kelsey Valentine, a junior at Sobrato High School, took second place to earn a $200 scholarship. Lindsey Hillesland, a freshman at Live Oak High School, took third place to earn a $100 scholarship.
Valentine’s speech used the metaphor of “running like a girl” to focus on stereotypes people have about how males and females are expected to act.
“The AAUW helps to bring to light many of the gender biases that still remain,” she said in her speech. “And with the work they’ve done through this organization, as well as many others, it is very possible we can change the biases society has held for long, creating equality through the genders.”
In a discussion with Speech Trek organizer Margo Hinnenkamp later in the contest, she told the audience:
“There are a lot of gender inequality and biases, especially in expectations, what people say and think how things are. I wanted people to think about things that they don’t normally think about which are part of our cultures.”
Gopisetty used the theme of female characters in Walt Disney animated films to convey how society’s view of girls is shaped by storytelling. For example, “Sleeping Beauty” has the lead female character rescued by the handsome prince with a kiss.
“Young girls who grow up hearing these stories over and over again subconsciously are believing that men are dominant and heroic, while women are just beautiful and submissive,” she said in her speech. “From a very young age, gender bias and equality are presented to children.”
Awareness is key toward moving away from implicit discrimination toward a more equal society, she said. More recent Walt Disney films stories such as “Frozen” and “Mulan” present “female leads, female heroes, and female strengths.”
“More than childhood exposure, men and women must work together to solve this ever so present problem, slowly, allowing men and women to earn equal pay — a dollar for a dollar — allowing boys and girls to choose their activities, along with their toys, and supporting everyone in doing what they wish to do will bring out society equality and happiness.”
Lindsey Hillesland choose the issue of transgender inequality, which is often ignored in society, she said.
“This topic is widely overlooked in the entire world and it needs to be discussed )just as openly as women’s rights,” she said. “Now if you’re thinking about what I’m saying here and you’re wondering if there’s anything that you can do to help, you can just support the people around you or go to charities online and donate if you want to.”
Hinnenkamp was impressed with the three students. “I think for anyone who hasn’t done public speaking it really takes a lot of courage — and beyond that a lot of practice and preparation. You can see all of these young women put a lot of time and effort into this,” she said.
AAUW members Mary Cox, Margaret McCann and Pat Soles also helped in organizing the speech contest.
