Vesaal Khan, student

Q: What is the importance of women’s history? 

A: I think women’s history is important because it shows how far women have come from the past where there were a lot of gender based stereotypes, and it shows that despite stereotypes women are very strong independent people. 

Q: Have you ever faced any setbacks for being a woman?  

A: Only when playing rugby for my club which is a “male dominated sport”. Many of the guys thought I would be scared to get hit which is never the case. They also thought that I would not know anything about the sport or understand it and I was there for no reason, but I actually enjoy it and want to keep playing. 

Q: How have you overcome those challenges? 

A: I kept pushing myself to be the best player I could be and I kept working hard at practice to get the right technique when throwing the ball, or tackling somebody, and mostly I ignored what the boys said if it was something negative. 

Q: Why is it so important to inform younger girls about their importance and voice in society?

A: Many times I hear jokes about girls belonging in kitchens and when a girl speaks up on it most guys just say “shes a feminist” or “take a joke.” I think girls need to realize that no matter what opinion a male forms about you, you should not stop talking or voicing your opinions because they do not want to hear what you have to say.