Female advocacy club Empower hosted an equity bake sale during lunch to raise money for Dress for Success, a group that helps women achieve economic independence, Jan. 19. The equity bake sale sold baked goods all for $1, aiming to raise awareness and advocate civil rights for all groups. They sold baked goods for different prices to show the wage difference between men and women. Those who were affected by the wage difference were eligible to receive 25 cents back.

Empower leader Eliza Koblentz ’23 said Empower is the gender equity and women’s empowerment club at the school, and focuses on promoting an intersectional approach to feminism.

“Our usual meetings consist of planning upcoming events and discussing gender related issues either in the school or our larger community,” Koblentz said.

Empower member Riyan Kadribegovic ’25 said she appreciated the thought behind the booth.

“The people running the booth said that I could get 25 cents back from my donation if I was affected by the wage gap, and pointed to a sign that mentioned statistics about those affected,” Kadribegovic said. “I thought it was an interesting and engaging way to get people to interact with and learn information, while also getting treats.”

Kadribegovic said the bake sale educated students about the wage gap women face.

“I learned about and was shocked by the sheer amount of people affected by the wage gap,” Kadribegovic said. “I also learned about the company that the fundraiser was for, Dress for Success, which I think has a really interesting concept.”

The booth sold chai cookies, chocolate chip cookies, brownies and Dunkin Donuts. Most were handmade by group leaders of the group and were on display for students to purchase and learn.

Koblentz said she hopes the bake sale reinforced Empower’s mission.

“Our main objective is to educate and spread awareness on gender discrimination while also creating meaningful connections with other supporters of this cause,” Koblentz said.