HeForShe at UF hosts Flags for Equality

Pink and white flags scattered on the lawn of the Plaza of the Americas fluttered in a light breeze Tuesday afternoon.

Members of the UF chapter of HeForShe, a student organization focused on promoting gender equality, hosted the second annual Flags for Equality. The event invited people to sign the U.N. Women’s “I am HeForShe” commitment to take action against gender bias, violence and discrimination.

The event, which invited participants to sign flags and place them on the lawn, gave everyone a visual representation of how many students on campus support gender equality, said Lindsey Hasak, the organization’s historian. By the end of the event, about 50 students had signed the pledge.

“Actually getting out here and getting to talk to people and having them see how many people are in support really spreads the word that it is something everyone can be interested in and everyone can be passionate about,” the 21-year-old UF behavioral and cognitive neuroscience junior said.

After signing the commitment, Madison Herrmann wrote her name on a flag and placed it with the others in front of Library West.

The UF sociology junior said she signed the pledge to show her support for gender equality.

“Every signature counts,” the 20-year-old said.

Lauren Basen, 18, stopped to sign the pledge as she headed to the library.

“Everyone should have equal opportunity no matter what gender, and you shouldn’t be discriminated against,” the UF sports management freshman said.

Hasak said the event helps promote gender equality.

“This isn’t just a women’s issue,” she said. “It’s an issue for everyone.”

Jacquelyn Hoza, a 21-year-old UF sociology and women’s studies junior, places a flag on the Plaza of the Americas after signing the UN Women’s HeForShe commitment on Tuesday afternoon.