 | Meet Grace. Science student. Girls' rights activist. We asked her how she makes it work. |
Why are you passionate about tackling gender inequality?
I’m passionate about tackling gender inequality because no girl should grow up disadvantaged simply for being born. Enabling marginalised women and girls to reach their full potential results in numerous benefits for society and provides a more inclusive community, the kind of community I want to live in.
Why is practical action so important? What practical actions are you taking and why?
Practical action is so important because more often than not, world leaders and politicians will only talk about issues and solutions and not get around to doing something about them! Practical action is something that can make an impact quickly. Therefore, some practical actions I have taken have been; leading the Friends of Irise Sheffield Branch, bringing passionate people together, putting on raising awareness events, organising fundraising events, educating young people and sharing interesting stories on social media.
What are your future goals?
Studying a scientific subject is hard sometimes when the proportion of men to women is skewed towards men. One of my goals is to try and excel in scientific academia and not let this unfair distribution of men put me off from succeeding.
I’m passionate about tackling gender inequality because no girl should grow up disadvantaged simply for being born. Enabling marginalised women and girls to reach their full potential results in numerous benefits for society and provides a more inclusive community, the kind of community I want to live in.
Why is practical action so important? What practical actions are you taking and why?
Practical action is so important because more often than not, world leaders and politicians will only talk about issues and solutions and not get around to doing something about them! Practical action is something that can make an impact quickly. Therefore, some practical actions I have taken have been; leading the Friends of Irise Sheffield Branch, bringing passionate people together, putting on raising awareness events, organising fundraising events, educating young people and sharing interesting stories on social media.
What are your future goals?
Studying a scientific subject is hard sometimes when the proportion of men to women is skewed towards men. One of my goals is to try and excel in scientific academia and not let this unfair distribution of men put me off from succeeding.
"I would love for more girls to realise their potential
and pursue careers in STEM subjects
in order to break stereotypes."
and pursue careers in STEM subjects
in order to break stereotypes."
Who inspires you?
There are numerous women who inspire me every day. Women who stand up for what they believe in, even if it goes against their societies opinions and beliefs, to make a positive change in the way women are treated, motivate me to carry on the fight for gender equality. For example Jaha Dukureh who brought about the criminalisation of female genital mutilation in the Gambia even though this was heavily fought against. Asma Jahangir cofounded the Pakistan human rights commission and used her education as a lawyer to fight cases for marginalised women and girls. However it is also important to recognise the inspiring women who surround us in everyday life, for example my very hard working bubbly mother and my wonderful weird friends.
What advice would you give to young girls who are finding it hard to be a girl?
There are numerous women who inspire me every day. Women who stand up for what they believe in, even if it goes against their societies opinions and beliefs, to make a positive change in the way women are treated, motivate me to carry on the fight for gender equality. For example Jaha Dukureh who brought about the criminalisation of female genital mutilation in the Gambia even though this was heavily fought against. Asma Jahangir cofounded the Pakistan human rights commission and used her education as a lawyer to fight cases for marginalised women and girls. However it is also important to recognise the inspiring women who surround us in everyday life, for example my very hard working bubbly mother and my wonderful weird friends.
What advice would you give to young girls who are finding it hard to be a girl?
"Don’t give up."
Sometimes it is easy to get fed up and upset about the way you are being treated for being a girl. Don’t let that behaviour slide. Speak up about your problems and experiences, even if it is to a stranger, friend or family member.
Join Grace and take practical action to create a better world for girls by joining a Friends of Irise branch, setting up your own or volunteering with Irise International. To view opportunities to get involved click here or email emily@irise.org.uk
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