Barbados Girls School Sparked by UNICEF Women's Day Talk

8 March 2024 - Bridgetown, Barbados – Students at Barbados’ only public all-girls secondary institution, showcased their commitment to their rights and the empowerment of their peers during a special session held with UNICEF Eastern Caribbean on International Women's Day.

The session, aimed at broadening the adolescents’ understanding of women’s rights, was done in collaboration with the school's Positive Behaviour Management Programme spearheaded by teacher Leandra Lindo.

UNICEF Representative Pieter Bult underscored the organisation’s dedication to supporting and advocating for the rights of women and girls in the subregion.

UNICEF/AWardUNICEF Representative Pieter Bult chatting with girls from the Springer Memorial Secondary School

Youth Engagement Officer Firhaana Bulbulia led an interactive session where each girl received sticky notes with single words which, when paired with other students’ corresponding word, created powerful compound words like “sisterhood” and “speak up”.

UNICEF/AWard Youth Engagement Officer Firhaana Bulbulia explaining the exercise with one of the students.

UNICEF/AWard

UNICEF's Social Behaviour Change Specialist, Lisa McClean Trotman, then took the reins, guiding the girls through the main exercise under the theme #InspireInclusion. Divided into groups, the students tackled real-world issues through scenarios focused on the Right to Education, Quality Health (including mental health services), Equal Pay, Protection from Violence, and Participation.

Discussions delved into critical matters like teenage pregnancy, eating disorders, mental health struggles, body image concerns, the prevalence of sexual violence, and the crucial aspect of inclusivity for children with disabilities.

Fifteen-year-old Hadassah Mitchell expressed her appreciation for the session, particularly the discussions surrounding teen pregnancy. "It's a significant issue that many people face, and I'm glad we were able to openly address it," she remarked.

UNICEF/AWard Social Behaviour Change Specialist Dr Lisa McClean Trotman placed girls in groups of 10 to discuss critical women's rights issues

UNICEF/AWard Communications Associate Kareem Smith discussing the questions with a group of students