I’m Eibhlinn, I am 16 years old from South Belfast and I am currently the Girlguiding Advocate for Northern Ireland. As an advocate, I sit on a panel of 20 members from 14-25 from all across the UK. We work together to lead Girlguiding’s advocacy and research, and act as a spokesperson for the organisation. Recently, I was given the opportunity to speak at Parliament about the experiences girls and young women have online. I spoke at a roundtable discussion to highlight the findings of Girlguiding’s recent research, with many MPs, Peers and members of large organisations. As sad as many of the findings were, I was extremely grateful to be able to speak for girls and young women and to bring attention to the many important issues they face online. I was even lucky enough to be given a personal tour around Parliament by Luke Pollard MP who led the roundtable discussion! (It was definitely worth the 6am flight) Girlguiding is campaigning to alter the Online Harms Bill in order to more effectively protect girls and young women online, and discussions with decision makers is one of the ways we hope to make an impact. I would highly encourage any girl to apply for the Advocates panel; it provides you with amazing experiences, allows you to make a change to girls and young women’s lives around you and speak out about what is important to you!
There is a petition available to sign online called 'The UK’s new Online Safety Law must protect Women and Girls from Online Abuse' There is a link below to the website if you wish to sign the petition.
SIGN HERE
