SRtRC Female led school’s event at Old Trafford

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Show Racism the Red Card and Manchester United Foundation teamed up to host a fantastic female-led schools event at Old Trafford Stadium.

Over sixty female students from across five Greater Manchester schools were specially selected to attend a day of anti-racism workshops and activities. The young women were chosen because of their commitment to anti-racism and a desire to make a real difference in the world – as the day unfolded, they did not disappoint!

Throughout the morning, students worked with Show Racism the Red Card staff to explore racism and its impact. Topics such as intersectionality and representation were explored, which allowed them to consider how being a woman may affect our experience in society and add another layer of discrimination. The workshops provided rich discussions ranging from societal bias and the importance of female role models to which ‘female first’ they dream of achieving.

After lunch, the students were refreshed and ready to change the world! Where the morning had provided the foundations, the afternoon was now the young people’s opportunity to shine, and make their voices heard. For the ‘Changemaker’ activity, students worked in small groups to explore how they could challenge racism in their schools. Armed with paper, pens and passion, they set about thinking of ideas. Staff chatted to the groups to explore their work further and everyone involved commented on the effort and wealth of incredible suggestions. Interestingly and rather sadly, many groups made similar observations and noticed common themes within our schools.

As the afternoon drew to a close, everyone came together to watch the groups present their ideas to a panel of judges Olivia Johnson and Charlotte Hunt from This Girl Can, Alex from Manchester United Foundation and Louisa Blundell, Education Worker from Show Racism the Red Card, North West.

We would like to congratulate the fantastic, passionate and confident presentations, the panel had the very tricky task to select the top three! Everyone involved spoke of the passion with which these young women expressed their thoughts and their clear desire to challenge the inequalities they see around them. Finally, it was evident to us all, that given the tools, the platform and the opportunity, our young people will change the world.

Schools:

Levenshulme High School

Manchester Enterprise Academy

Co -op Academy Swinton

Dean Trust Ardwick

Werneth School