March 7, 2022
Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all. #BreakTheBias
Celebrate women’s achievements. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.
Today we would like to celebrate some of the amazing women we have that are part of our Youth Fed team.
Hear from Emma Ward, our Mental Health & Youth Group Support Worker on her thoughts this International Women’s Day:
What have you/Youth fed done to be more inclusive and drive change?
Many young girls and women face barriers to fulfilling their potential and living their best life. Stark analysis by the centre of mental health has shown that 1.5 million children and young people will need mental health support as a direct result of the pandemic over the next 3-5 years. It has had a disproportionately detrimental impact on the mental health of teenage girls. As a Youth charity, we have created safe spaces for young people to talk, connect and become mental health awareness and I am immensely proud to be employed by ab charity that supports equality, early intervention for young people’s mental health, life direction and employability and whose mission is to make sure children and young people get the right support for their mental health at the right time for as long as is needed. The eclectic skills set of all Youth Fed staff have contributed to a holistic and strengths-based approach which has indeed stepped up to post-pandemic recovery challenge and they continue to transform lives.
Collectively within Youth Fed, there is a genuine sense of optimism in terms of inclusivity and change and difference is celebrated as part of a cultural norm. Breaking the bias – I live and work with a disability and I continue to do so with the full support, inclusivity and non-discriminatory practice of the Youth Fed Team. This allows me to bring my authentic self to work without fear of bias or judgement. Most importantly the young people whom I support are not in any way disadvantaged by me having Multiple Sclerosis. Interestingly of all the children and young people, I’ve supported only one of them has curiously asked about my “dodgy leg”. Proud to model a clear message to young people that you can be accepted, you can live, work, achieve and play whatever your difference and that collectively we can all break the bias.
What would an international future that is diverse, equitable and inclusive mean to you?
A future of greater tolerance and understanding and NO WAR! Mental ill-health is something that any child or young person, living in any country and situation, can experience. As Russia continue with their attack on Ukraine our thoughts are with those children and young people living in crisis, emergency and conflict situations may face a greater risk of abuse, violence and trauma which impacts mental wellbeing. They may face greater challenges in getting their support and learning needs relating to mental health recognised and addressed, especially if their mental health difficulties are long-term rather than directly resulting from the trauma of crisis/conflict.
A future of appreciation, celebration and respect for difference – LGBT young people are viewed and celebrated as a diverse community with fewer inequalities and a lack of prejudice on an international scale.
An international acknowledgement that people do not fit into boxes would make a world of difference – Barriers to access, participation and achievement for young people with mental ill-health would be addressed to ensure that all rights and needs are met through inclusive support.
Which woman do you think lives these values and inspires you?
I simply cannot choose one as there are so many! Dr Jane Goodall and her “little book of hope “, Malala Yousafzai, authors Belinda Heaven and Kim Thomas (now Guardian journalist), but I guess I was genuinely moved by the inspiring young person poet Amanda Gormon. She is the first poet laureate of the United States and she became a sensation after reciting her poem “The Hill We Climb,” at President Biden‘s inauguration. Amanda uses images of light and darkness, hope and fear, to describe the two opposing sides of America, those who want to divide and those who want to unify. She seeks to inspire hope. Much closer to home I take inspiration from my colleagues who give their best each day despite increasing work demands and my patient friends too who are accepting of the gaps in between our catch-ups. Moreover, the young people who despite the hills they climb show inner strength determination and resilience all of them inspire me every day.