A young women beginning to lead...
23rd November 2018
Day one on the Young Women Lead Programme.
As per usual I was extraordinarily early so that did not help the nerves which were consuming almost
every aspect of my mind and body. I had no idea what to expect from the day and was worried I had ventured out of my depth. However, I was very happy when I arrived to find out that I knew at least one other young woman on the programme already
and very quickly through the ice breaker activity got to know some more.
Everyone seemed fab and listening to all their unique stories and experiences which had lead them to this programme was inspiring and comforting. It was so enriching to have such a diverse range of people in the same room all sharing the same passion and goals. I soon settled into the environment and found it a warm, supportive and safe space.
By the end of the first day I had already learnt so much. Not only about the workings of Scottish Parliament but about the incredible life stories and experiences which the other young women had. I honestly felt as if I had known most of them for years by the end of that first day. We all just clicked!
I was really excited to continue the work after that day into our inquiry project. The group that I had chosen to be a part of was the women in sport group and there was a WhatsApp group set up almost immanently for us to share all our thoughts, ideas and plans. Over the next few month or two we shared ideas, drafted an outline paper and created a presentation on our topic which we would present at the next meeting day. Amongst the work though, there was an incredible amount of laughs, supportive chat and genuine friendships being formed.
18th & 19th January 2019
On the next two days where we all met up as a collective group we learnt about all things social media and even more things about the running of parliamentary committees, which is just as well as we would soon be involved in some of those. I personally, seemed to rope my self into speaking on two of the parliamentary committees. A decision I regretted quickly and then on reflection began to see as a really good opportunity to develop my confidence and skills set. I now don't feel as terrible as I did at that moment in time when I felt my mouth disconnect from my brain and agree to do both.
In addition to our preparation for committees we had to present our topics and vote as a group on which one to take forward as our inquiry. The presentation was quite nerve wracking but we all supported each other as a group and we were delighted and surprised when our topic, looking at women's barriers to sport, was voted as the final choice. However, it was quickly realised that the hard work was about to begin.
On day two we had to start figuring out what witnesses we would like to call, what groups of people we would be asking to take part in focus groups, what our questionnaire would look like and who was going to do what parts. It was a really full on day with lots of decisions to be made and at some points it could seem a challenge to try and make sure that everyone felt included and that their voice was valued but we are a really supportive group and by the end of the day I felt that everyone left in really positive spirits and I really do now feel that I've known these women forever. The group that I am in for the next stage of the inquiry project is researching:
The socio-economic, protected characteristics and intersectionality of young women's relationship with sport and physical activity with particular regard to issues that may prevent participation.
Reflections and Other Such Stuff
1. Discuss one thing your grateful for, and one thing you've learnt since applying for the YWL programme.
Since starting the Young Women Lead Programme in November, the thing that I am most grateful for is the opportunity to meet so many likeminded, passionate and driven women. However, saying that I am also incredibly grateful for the chance to be a part of such a unique programme, I mean come on, how many other programmes do you see rocking about like this one? I feel incredibly lucky to get the opportunity to take part and learn about the workings of parliament and women in politics and share experiences with amazing women! It's all about surreal when you actually stop to think about it.
One thing I have learnt is that I need to believe in myself more. I was so worried about being part of the programme due to my own limited experience, knowledge and confidence within the political sphere but actually it has been fine, more than fine, it's been amazing. Everyone has been so supportive and there is nothing that I haven't been up to the challenge of yet. I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone so much already and I can already feel the internal changes in other parts of my life.
2. During the January training sessions, you were paired up and asked to give positive feedback on each other's approach paper research and presentations: - Who were you paired up with, and what topic were they presenting? - What feedback did you give? - What feedback did you receive?
I was paired with Katrina who wasn't able to make the previous days session so instead of sharing feedback we discussed each others topics and I caught her up on how the presentations had gone and the decisions which had been made. She was in the Brexit group and so my feedback was that the presentation itself was amazing! Hannah & Amy did an incredible job, considering they did it all with only two of them but my concern with Brexit was that it was just too uncertain a topic. No one knows what is happening with Brexit and the current situation is changing daily. I think it will be a great topic to look at next year in the aftermath of it all and how it has impacted women further done the line when we know more.
3. What are you looking forward to with the chosen research topic, and project?
The topic about young women in sport was my original chosen inquiry group so I was delighted when it was chosen to be carried forward. Having had personal negative experiences, as I think most women have, with sport in my teenage years I think it is a really crucial and current topic to be focussing on and trying to make a change with. There is far too many barriers for women to participate in sport and I think it is something tangible and realistic for us as a group to be working on. I'm really looking forward to hearing from our witnesses, reading up on all the current research that has already been done and seeing what recommendations we can make from our own findings.
4. What uncertainties and/or questions do you have about the research project?
My only uncertainty is making sure that everyone feels involved in the inquiry project. Although I was involved in the original presentation of the topic and was delighted that this was chosen to be taken forward, I think its important to remember that not everyone was and that we need to make it as inclusive a research project as possible with everyone's voice heard and valued. That would be my only concern as I want the group to stay in it's positive, safe and supportive way for the entirety of the programme and think we all as individuals need to manage that. But I also don't doubt that we all have it in us as we are an incredible group of young women who are fired up and ready to create change!
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