The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Accelerate Action’.
On this day of marking women and girls’ contributions to society, while also reflecting on the collective action still needed to create a more inclusive and equal world, I’ve asked some of my Young Ambassadors to share one thing they would change to make England the best place for women and girls – and who inspires them.
Aaliya
If you could change one thing to make England the best place for women and girls, what would it be and why?
To make England the best place for women and girls, period products should be free to tackle period poverty – which affects one in five and can affect attendance in schools. This means that young women in school and the workplace are disproportionately affected compared to their male peers. Young women should not have to miss out on their education because of period poverty. I would also like to see greater provision in schools for students who have missed out on education, either because of period poverty or debilitating period pain, with extra support to ensure they still receive the same level of education as their male peers.
Who has inspired you and why?
The MP Zarah Sultana. Throughout her political career she has been subject to Islamophobic and racist hate, yet despite this, she continues to champion the voices of her constituents and speak up about the issues she clearly cares about. Her unwavering morals and dedication to the role has been a big inspiration to me as a future politician and current youth advocate. Being one of the few Muslim women in parliament, she is paving the way for other Muslim women in politics, breaking barriers, and showing that representation matters. Her journey gives me hope and motivation to pursue my own aspirations.
Rebecca
If you could change one thing to make England the best place for women and girls, what would it be and why?
I would provide more help and awareness to women who have experienced abuse. While awareness and support has been better in recent years, I still think that this subject is highly stigmatised with some still blaming women for being at fault, and as a young woman, this feels to have been worsened in recent months. As a society we need to bring more awareness to this topic so that everyone can feel safe. I believe that there should be more support groups to help and rehabilitate those who have gone through abuse as well as providing meetings that enables women and girls to empower themselves by sharing their story.
Who has inspired you and why?
The author Audre Lorde. As a black poet, she used her poetry to advocate for the end to racism and highlighted the struggles of black women, especially in a society that marginalised them. I am particularly inspired by the fact she was able to use the hatred of others to turn it into beautiful and meaningful poetry. Although she has faced discrimination, she never gave up and calls her readers to keep fighting and being hopeful. With current events going on in the world her message is used to bring equality to all people regardless of what they look like calling everyone to care about the injustices that happen in our society!
Sumaira
If you could change one thing to make England the best place for women and girls, what would it be and why?
Education about women’s rights and history should be included in the school curriculum, through books, poems and lessons. This would help challenge unfair stereotypes and empower women to follow their dreams and ambitions without fear of discrimination. Unfortunately, there are still a lot of industries, like business, finance and technology, which are male dominated. This can lead many young girls and women to feel discouraged, isolated and even uncomfortable in these environments. I think having a focus on gender equality at school would make England a more supportive place for women and girls to study, work and thrive.
Who has inspired you and why?
I find Huda Kattan truly inspirational as she has defied the stereotypes surrounding women in business and has become a symbol of empowerment and resilience as a self-made Iraqi woman. Her determination and passion for her beauty products has created an inclusive and diverse makeup brand worth more than a billion dollars and has become a global success featured on large lists and rankings such as Forbes. Huda continues to grow her business but is also a philanthropist who works with several worldwide organisations to donate and raise money for those in need or facing tragedy. Her courageous approach on voicing her opinions on social media surrounding politics and business make her an authentic and inspirational female leader.
Penelope
If you could change one thing to make England the best place for women and girls, what would it be and why?
To ‘accelerate action’ for women and girls and make England a better place, I would like to see greater action on period poverty. It’s wrong that companies can capitalise on period products. Period poverty is a silent epidemic that impacts the lives of women and girls each day and can lead to greater mental and physical health issues. With the cost pressures of the last few years, too many women and girls have had to suffer in silence because they are unable to afford the products they may need. No girl should feel ashamed about having their period and should not have any problems affording the care she may need. Every woman and girl should have the right to feel comfortable.
Who has inspired you and why?
The academic and activist Angela Davis has inspired and shaped my motivation to always speak up. She’s opened my mind on important issues like race, class and gender, and has allowed me to understand the inequalities that are so often entrenched in our society today. Her unapologetic nature inspires me to speak up. I feel empowered to share my opinion on decision making to shape an environment that embraces rights and opinions.
