Oldham Council explores identity with young people to help battle harmful gender norms and expectations placed on boys and girls.

How is our identity influenced? White Ribbon Accredited Organisation Oldham Council hosted a conference for year nine students to explore how online information about masculinity and femininity can negatively or positively inform our attitudes and behaviours towards each other.

By Catherine Lawler

As part of our White Ribbon two weeks of action, Oldham Council and Safeguarding Children Partnership invited local schools to attend our Me, Myself, and I Conference. This work forms parts of the council’s efforts, as a White Ribbon Accredited Organisation, to raise awareness about men’s violence against women and girls.

67 year nine pupils from 11 schools in the area attended the conference and provided young people with the opportunity to watch a performance piece focused on the self and how our values, attitudes and behaviours are influenced. The piece explored both positive and negative narratives, looking closely at how certain attitudes may lead to things such as domestic abuse, harmful behaviours and contribute to oppressive social norms and gender inequality.

My colleagues and I ran four, interactive workshops in small groups to encourage learning and participation:

Equality Street focused on how messages we consume about masculinity and femininity can our views and actions. In the second workshop, What’s love got to do with it, the group explored the clash between culture, consent, and choice. Relationship Red Flags discussed expectations of respect in relationships and, lastly, the group Fact versus Fiction allowed young people to talk about the rise of disinformation.

The conference concluded with a guest speaker who shared his personal story about the tragic murder of his sister.

To build upon the learning outcomes of this conference, attendees will create project or piece of information for their peers that relates to the events key learning points. Joey Legge, one of the year nine students who participated, shares why Oldham Youth Council is supporting White Ribbon UK’s mission to stop violence before it starts:

Domestic abuse is a extensive and devastating issue that affects millions of individuals across the world. It is a serious problem that can occur in any relationship, regardless of age, gender or race. Domestic abuse often results in physical and emotional harm, and it can have long-lasting effects on the victim's mental and physical health.

One of the most concerning aspects of domestic abuse is that it is often hidden and goes unreported. Victims may be afraid to speak out about their abuse due to fear of retaliation or shame. It is important to understand that domestic violence is never the victim's fault, and there are resources available to help those who are experiencing abuse.

It is crucial that we continue to raise awareness about domestic abuse and work towards prevention and intervention. By speaking out against abuse and supporting victims, we can help to create a safer and more just society for all individuals.

Remember, domestic violence is never acceptable, and there is always help available for those who need it.

This is why Oldham Youth Council [were] happy to be involved with the Me, Myself and I conference on 29th November in Oldham. We want to do all we can to help support to the White Ribbon UK. What I believe makes this the most significant charity fighting for this basic right to freedom is that it not only drives change [but] teaches children empathy and respect to create a kinder and [united] community.

The Oldham Youth Council wants to contribute its platform to ending misogyny. We, along with a wide range of schools in Oldham, are a platform that can reinforce inclusive growth in our community.

Catherine Lawler is the OSCP Safeguarding Training Consultant at Oldham Council.