California

Empowered Flower Girl salutes Aria-Vue Daugherty this Women’s History Month!

Aria-Vue Daugherty, a powerhouse teen activist, is leading the charge for change in California. As co-chair of the Young Feminists Committee (an initiative of the Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee), she advocates fiercely for women’s and LGBTQ rights, demonstrating the power of young voices. But her impact doesn’t stop there; Aria-Vue also serves as director of the California Young Feminist Party. Through her advocacy, Aria-Vue not only fights for equality but also demonstrates the immense power and potential of young leaders in shaping a more inclusive and just society.

“I was motivated to get involved after realizing that other young people were also passionate about the Equal Rights Amendment, but was surprised by the lack of YFP activity in California,” she explained. “I have been attempting to revitalize the movement in our state because I think it is extremely important to realize that Californian girls, women, and LGBTQ people are still put at risk by sexist legislation in other parts of the country despite our progressive state government.”

Aria-Vue, who identifies as queer, said the Young Feminist Party has been lobbying on local, state, and federal levels to get elected officials to realize the importance of the Equal Rights Amendment to the safety of women and queer people. 

Last spring, Aria-Vue and several young people were quoted in a Los Angeles Times article highlighting Solvang City Council’s decision to turn down a proposal to hang pride-themed banners downtown. During the council meeting, Aria-Vue shared students’ feelings about the banners. She said “a vast majority of them are absolutely unbothered by rainbows and would really appreciate representation for everyone and inclusivity for everyone.” 

She was also featured in the Winter 2024 edition of California Woman Magazine, a publication of the California Federation of Business and Professional Women.

“In California, in partnership with organizations like the YMCA Youth and Government’s Female Leaders in Power Caucus, we’ve been working on educational and legislative campaigns surrounding issues currently affecting American women, like child marriage and menstrual inequity/period poverty,” she noted.

Aria-Vue is on her way to a purpose-driven future. 

After high school, she will attend Harvard University, where she plans on studying government and computer science. “I want to go to law school, and work in regulation or public policy so that I can help make the internet a safer place for girls and women,” she said. 

Check out Aria-Vue’s work with the Young Feminist Party via Instagram.