Gender Equality

Olivia and Jack were best friends and they lived in the small, crowded city known as Hong Kong. But sadly, Olivia had to move to a new school. Olivia missed Jack, and she knew life would be different without her best friend. Thankfully, she still had his contact.

The new school was much bigger than her old school. It had huge playgrounds, and the classrooms were twice the size of her old classrooms! The only thing missing was her friend. Olivia tried to enjoy the school day. It was easily enjoyable. She could pick what she wanted to do in class, and there was no settled activity they had to do. The teachers were friendly, and the students welcomed her warmly. 

At recess, she sat in the corner, reading a book. She had made no friends yet, but she hoped to because she hated the feeling of loneliness! When it was time to return to class, she accidentally crashed into a boy.

“What’s your name?” Olivia asked as she offered her hand to help the boy up.

“Draven,” he said, brushing Olivia’s hand away and standing up by himself.

“Okay, can we be friends?” Olivia asked, smiling.

Draven laughed.

“Um…..” Olivia was confused.

“Okay, we can be friends. But you have to be nice to me,” Draven offered.

“Of course!” Olivia couldn’t wait to have a new friend.

In class, Olivia sat next to Draven, and she tried to strike up a conversation with him, but Draven seemed to need to pay more attention. Later during their lunch break, Draven would play with her! 

But soon after, Draven went with his other friends to play instead, leaving Olivia alone. 

So, Olivia went to the football field and decided to play football. She didn’t want to be alone, and she was pretty good at it! She was even on the school team in her old school. As she marched over to the football field, her heart beat quickly. There were no girls, ZERO girls there, unlike her old school. 

Olivia calmed herself down and walked down the field casually. 

“Ayo, what are you doing?” a voice asked. 

Olivia turned around, and a blonde-haired boy was staring at her. His razor-sharp glare cut into her flesh, right into her skull, as if he was inspecting her thoughts.

“I’m here to play football,” Olivia replied matter-of-factly.

“Oh, you’re new,” the boy said,” you can’t play football because you’re a girl!” The boy rolled his eyes.

Tears rolled out of Olivia’s eyes. She thought this was her chance to make a new friend. 

Suddenly, Draven appeared behind Olivia.

“Draven!” Olivia cried,” They’re not letting me play!

“Of course, idiot,” Draven laughed, ”You’re a girl. Why should you play? Girls are weak!”

“But….aren’t you my friend?” Olivia asked.

“No, I’m not,” Draven smirked, fist-bumping another boy.

Olivia backed away and ran.

Olivia decided to sign up for the football team despite the boys’ criticisms. There isn’t even a rule that girls can’t play sports! 

“I want to join the football team,” Olivia said to the coach.

“Ask the team captain,” the coach said.

“Who’s the team captain?” 

“Draven.”

Olivia sighed, and walked over to Draven. “Can I join the football team?” Olivia asked politely.

“HA!” Draven laughed,” NO, of course!”

At home, Olivia was telling Jack all about her awful first day. They came up with an idea to teach the bullies a lesson!

The next day, Olivia went to school and found the bullies. She planned to spread awareness about gender equality, so people at her school would support her. First, she made posters about gender equality. Then, she made a presentation. She then spoke not only to her class but started to spread the message to other classes in her year. 

It was only these simple actions that made the whole year aware. Soon, other years were understood too. They acknowledged that the girls in school were just as capable but given an equal opportunity to pursue their passions because of their gender. 

Finally, the principal was even aware. He admired how Olivia stood up for herself and women all around so he changed the rules and let all students of any gender play any sports. It was only Olivia’s first week at her new school, but everyone knew her name and understood the impact she had.

On the Monday of Olivia’s second week, she marched over to the football field.

“What are you doing here?” a boy asked bitterly.

“Oh,” Olivia grinned,” I’m here to play football.”