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Roughly 40 students joined the Women Empowerment Club, which will meet will meet twice a month. Membership continues to grow.
"The girls at the school are super excited," faculty advisor Emilia Kardijan said.
A few boys have joined the club as well, Kardijan said.
Freshman member Thalia Garcia said it's important for men to understand the issues facing women. They try to incorporate both genders even if it is a bit awkward at first, she said.
"People don't have as much awareness, they're not as educated as they can be about real problems that are occurring for women," Garcia told Daily Voice.
To help inspire the students, the school brought Garfield Mayor Tana A. Raymond to speak to them. Kardijan said Raymond represented an example of an empowered woman to serve as an example.
Raymond is the first female mayor in Garfield's history, a position she has held since July 2014. She she serves with four men on the council. Though they have a good working relationship, Raymond said it isn't always easy for women.
"We made history," the mayor said. "It wasn't an easy road but when you're determined to do something, you just set your sights and set your goals."
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