I know what you're thinking. Feminism and sorority girls do not stereotypically belong in the same sentence. After all, sorority girls are tall, thin, blonde, Barbie dolls without brains, whose sole goal in life is to marry a hot fraternity boy, right? And feminists, well, they're all screaming, hairy, butch, lesbian, misanthropists, right? Wrong. Being a Panhellenic woman is just about as feminist as you can get, and here's why.
1. Leadership
As young girls, we were taught to be quiet, to be gracious, to be "lady-like." I learned quickly that being in control, being in charge, and being bossy was bad. Sorority life has helped me undo all of those years of broken pedagogy. Sororities are organizations led by women for women. We're praised for taking leadership roles in our chapter. Seeing strong, authoritative, boss-like women is not only refreshing, but inspiring. That's feminism.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority.
2. Activism
Every Panhellenic sorority supports a philanthropy. My sorority supports five, the Sigma Kappa Foundation, Inherit the Earth, Gerontology, The Maine Seacoast Mission, and Alzheimer's Research and Treatment. Together as Panhellenic women, we support the Circle of Sisterhood, which provides financial resources to women facing poverty and oppression for education. We as Greek sisters band together to end awful diseases, oppressive institutions, and inequality in the world. That's feminism.
Actress and advocate, Mariska Hargitay, is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority.
3. A Strong Female Support System
Life is hard. No matter who you are or where you are, you have obstacles and trials to overcome in life. In a sorority, your sisters are there for you and have your back no matter what situation life has pushed you into. They will hold your hand, wipe your tears, listen, hold you, and make sure you know you are never alone. Being there for other women when they need you, that's feminism.
Actress and activist, Connie Britton, is a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority.
4. Women Helping Women Achieve Their Dreams
If you need to ace an exam, they'll help you study. If you need to prepare for an interview, they'll help you practice. If you need someone to drive you to an audition, they'll be there with a full tank of gas. Your sisters will be there for you no matter what you need to achieve your dreams. They love you and want what's best for you. And when you do achieve your dreams, they'll be the ones you want by your side. Women helping each other succeed instead of tearing them down, that's feminism.
Actress and philanthropist, Sophia Bush, is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority.
5. Guardians
My big sister never let me walk alone to my car at night, she always drove me to my car or walked with me. Still, even after she's graduated, I text her when I'm home safe. I've started doing the same with other sisters. I've started driving them to their cars, and I make sure to watch and take care of sisters when we're out at a party. All my sisters do the same. We take care of each other, that's feminism.
Actress and philanthropist, Jennifer Garner, is a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority.
6. Speaking Up
Women are often taught at a very young age that their voice isn't important. Writing these articles, poetry, and a novel has helped me rewire my understanding of how important my voice is. Through sisterhood, however, I've learned my opinions matter, and using my voice to share those opinions is a beautiful thing. Will sisters always agree? No. But they will always be proud of you for standing up for what you believe in. That's feminism.
Comedian and actress, Wanda Sykes, is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Together, women can, and will, change the world. Sororities not only make finding a group of women with your same values easier, they bond women together in a way that is indescribable. That's feminism.
