DETERMINED Enniskillen students Astrid Knox and Rhea Flood are pushing for girls to have the right to wear trousers at school, advocating for equality and challenging traditional dress codes.
“You can learn the same in trousers as skirts. I just want to do cartwheels at break time,” said Rhea.
“Our school is an integrated school and if we don’t get the choice to wear trousers then they are part of the patriarchy,” added Astrid.
A key supporter of this campaign is Youth Panel member Maddison Blair who led a similar effort five years ago.
She said, “It’s empowering to support these two young rights defenders. It’s time for this outdated rule to change for all girls.”
The campaign has sparked wider discussion around fairness and gender equality in schools.
“I was delighted when I heard about the campaign Astrid and Rhea have started,” Commissioner Chris Quinn said.
“Not only does it show their strong sense of justice but it demonstrates their commitment to fairness and gender equality.”
He linked their efforts to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, including the right to play, privacy, and non-discrimination.
Mr Quinn concluded “Article 12 states that children have the right to express their views.and that those views must be taken seriously by adults.”
Astrid and Rhea are now calling on parents, educators and fellow students to support their initiative to help bring about change.
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