Smash the Patriarchy

Through Act for Change fund we have employed five passionate young women as Gender Equality Peer Educators to train and support young women to develop campaigns that will change the world, end misogyny and create a fairer and more just society for all.

Why Peer Education works? Young people listen to and are influenced by other young people and together develop the most appropriate responses to the issues and problems they are facing.

What we do: We mobilise young women by giving them access to information, resources and funding to lobby, take direct action and campaign. Through mass participation they will build collective power and develop coalitions with other young people fighting for change. They will not influence policy and legislation – they will purposefully change it.

We run workshops with young women in schools, colleges, youth groups and any other setting where young women are present. The workshops look at:

  • Domestic Abuse
  • Gender Equality
  • What it is like to be a woman
  • Self-esteem and confidence building
  • Campaigning
  • Social media

If you would like to be involved please contact kiran@westendwomenandgirls.co.uk or 07812 981429

Mural in Elswick condemns misogyny after Dipu Ahad conviction – Chronicle Live

At West End Women and Girls Centre, we believe that youth social action should be the norm for all young people, and are committed to making that a reality.

Our young women are supporting our community by taking a stance against misogyny. We call on you to champion the #PowerOfYouth and encourage young women and girls everywhere to paint your wall or a big banner stating: Misogyny Is A Hate Crime #MisogynyNotWelcomeHere #NotWelcomeIn[insertyourlocalarea]

Meet the Gender Equality Peer Educators and hear why they wanted to get involved with Smash the Patriarchy

Kiran Khan – Senior Peer Educator

I’m passionate about issues women face and am dedicated to diminishing such issues and I also love working with children and young people. Also, the centre provides such a community feel which is something I seek not only in a job but value in general life too; it just feels like such a great place to work and on such important issues too!

Munira Mohamed – Peer Educator

I attended the centre’s youth group (‘older girls’) for the past few years and I’ve always been amazed by the work all the previous women were able to achieve; once I heard of the opportunity of becoming a part of that change, I couldn’t be any more excited to become involved. I feel grateful to have the opportunity to work with very intelligent and powerful women with the same goal and I look forward to my future as a peer educator.

Akeesha Adamus – Peer Educator

I love to get involved and partner up with organisations that stimulate social change especially when it relates to a personal matter. Furthermore, gender inequality is something that we need to combat within our society, so being part of a team consisting of young women makes me hopeful for the future we are heading into.
I’m looking forward to the chance to make a real difference and impact both the local and wider community.

Sarah Lamb – Peer Educator

I have always defined myself a feminist and this opportunity allowed for me to help others on a subject that is both relevant and important now more than ever! I applied for the job immediately – I knew this was finally something I wanted to do. I feel that it is so beneficial to be employing young women (like myself), as it shows the importance of allowing younger female voices to be heard.

Omyma Musa – Peer Educator

When I heard about the role I just knew I had to apply as this is something which I am very passionate about.
I love the whole idea of actively working together to promote change in our communities and am delighted that all my co-workers share similar principles and are working toward the same goal.

Act for Change Fund is a £3.6 million partnership between Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, for organisations supporting young people working for change. The Fund provides resources for young people to challenge social injustice, find ways of overcoming inequality and give voice to issues they are experiencing.