On the 2nd and 3rd of November 2017, twenty students from Lister Community School participated on a trip to the Copper Box Arena in Stratford to take part in a project with Standard Chartered Bank called ‘Goals’.

This project aims to empower girls starting from a younger age and let them know that their voice matters. Also, there were many motivational speakers who told their stories and gave advice on how we, as females, can make our voices be heard.

The girls had many visitors such as three ladies from Liverpool who spoke out about how they were told they couldn’t make a career out of football when they were younger, however, they didn’t let that stop them and stayed resilient throughout their journey and achieved their goal.

They also learnt many skills such as confidence and resilience. This programme enabled young girls to become empowered so that they can make a positive contribution to society and make everyone hear what they have to say.

Anicka Ahmed, one of the attending students, stated: “The ‘Goal’ programme was incredibly inspiring for girls of the ‘now’ generation, proof that being a girl can be an amazing experience, that you’re valued as a person and your voice can shake mountains.”

Rabia Yousaf, another inspired girl, has also stated: “I found the programme really inspirational because it helped me improve my confidence. The programme taught us that as young women we should speak out for our rights. Three Liverpool women football players came in and spoke to us about determination. They really motivated me to achieve my goals. It also encouraged me to believe that women’s rights should be taken into consideration. Women’s rights MATTER!”

The girls found this two day programme incredibly inspirational and beneficial and were grateful to be given the opportunity to take part in such an insightful event. They also think that such programmes can help and motivate young girls all around the world.

Sajida Yasmin, Lister Community School.