Young people from the United Youth Alliance, representing Blackpool, Wyre, and Fylde, joined peers from across the UK in Westminster for a powerful youth-led event advocating for girls’ rights.
The event brought together 150 attendees, including MPs, charity leaders, and youth advocates, to spotlight the urgent challenges facing girls across the UK today. At the heart of the day were the young voices leading the call for change.
Five young people from the Fylde Coast met directly with government representatives to share their lived experiences as girls in the UK, and to present potential solutions to the issues impacting their lives. Their workshop focused on public transport safety, an area of deep concern for young women.
The group designed an interactive small-town map to illustrate the barriers girls face while travelling. They highlighted real-world concerns such as poor lighting, the absence of CCTV, harassment, poverty, loud or threatening crowds, intoxicated passengers, and a general lack of confidence in the transport system. Attendees, including MPs, were invited to step into the shoes of a young woman on public transport, guided by the group through each challenge in a hands-on, immersive experience.
“It was an incredible honour to bring a group of passionate and inspiring young women from Blackpool, Wyre, and Fylde to Westminster to make their voices heard,” said Deborah Terras, CEO of United Youth Alliance. “This event was a powerful reminder that when young people are given the platform and support to speak up, they can drive real change. At United Youth Alliance, we are committed to ensuring young people have the confidence, tools, and opportunities to shape the future, have their voices heard and support social action.”
Olivia Doherty, 16, reflected on the impact of the event:
“I thought this event was truly impactful. We tried to make the most of this experience to create real change, not just for ourselves, but for young people across the Fylde Coast.”
Thirteen-year-old Tilly Odhams gave a powerful speech to the full delegation:
“We must stop building opportunities on shaky foundations. It’s time for young women to break the glass ceiling and rewrite our stories, showing the world that strength can be redefined.”
Also speaking at the event were Leigh Ingham MP, Alex Davies-Jones, Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, and Kathleen Spencer Chapman, Head of Influencing & External Affairs at Plan International UK.
Kathleen Spencer Chapman stated:
“Our State of Girls’ Rights report found that girls are telling us loud and clear: they are not experiencing the progress on gender equality they were promised. It remains tough to be a girl wherever you live, and the future doesn’t look any better. This event was a key moment to raise awareness with political figures about the realities of girls’ experiences in the UK, giving them the chance to hear directly from girls themselves. In partnership with young people, we are calling for the UK government to create a ten-year cross-departmental gender equality strategy that includes specific and targeted support for girls and young women in all their diversity. Women and girls deserve no less.”
The event also showcased findings from The State of Girls’ Rights in the UK report the most comprehensive research project to date by Plan International UK, drawing on insights from over 3,000 girls and young women. The report revealed:
- Safety: 93% of girls and young women do not feel “completely safe” in public spaces.
- Education: Only 54% believe their education is preparing them well for the future.
- Health & Wellbeing: Just 40% report being happy with their mental health.
- Body Image: 44% feel that the way they look holds them back.
This inspiring event highlighted the power of youth-led advocacy and the urgent need to listen to, and act on, the voices of girls. The young people from Blackpool, Wyre, and Fylde proved that when given the opportunity, they are not only ready to speak up, they are ready to lead.
