Berthe on the Hackney Young Women's event

posted by: Administrator

^{Hackney Young Women's Group at the International Women's Day Event}

Berthe Biyak, Young Women's Group Member, writes for Young Hackney

Hackney Young Women’s Group (YWG) organised a day of celebration to mark the centenary of International Women’s Day on Thursday 10 March at Hackney Town Hall. Over 100 young women from across the borough joined YWG and Frampton Park Girl’s Group as we celebrated the achievements of women since 1911.

The first part of the event was the Public Speaking Championship in which 8 teams of young women argued the following topic: ‘In today’s society, women and men are viewed as equals’. Each team consisted of a Speaker, a Chairperson and a Questioner. The speeches and questions were marked on content, style and effectiveness, and some of the debating became very lively. Everyone who took part really enjoyed the experience and we learnt lots about the inequality that still exists today, which makes YWG even more determined to work towards eliminating it.

After the intensive debate, Cllr Rita Krishna presented the trophy to Ruth Lyons, Chris Ann Jarrett and Pamela Le Dang from Clapton Girls’ Technology College, who secured a much deserved win defeating teams from Bridge Academy, Hackney Community College and Hackney Youth Parliament.

The second part of the event was the award ceremony celebrating the achievements of the young women of Hackney over the past year. YWG have achieved so much in the last 12 months, winning a Diana Award for our efforts to improve our community , travelling to Ireland to complete our Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, and we knew that their were lots of other wonderful young women across the borough who needed to be recognised for their achievements too.  

Miss Motivator Award went to Reanne Anthony-Brown for her role in Hackney Youth Parliament and UKYP as she inspires, supports, and encourages her friends and peers.

Miss Caring Award went to Syllestina Meade for her role as an Olympic and Paralympics ambassador as she is selfless and thoughtful; putting every one before herself, she is known for keeping calm and collected in stressful situations and being considerate.

Miss ‘Do-a-lot’ Award went to Rachel Piper, another dedicated member of Hackney Youth Parliament, as she never stops! She is involved in everything, and gives everything her all! She wants to make the world a better place and isn’t just talking about it – she’s doing it!! 

Miss Braveheart Award went to Kezia A- D, from Our Lady’s Convent, as she has overcome some difficulties in the past year, and has put on a brave face when things weren’t going so well. She was nominated by youth worker Kellie Henry because “she is determined, courageous, and a shining example that perseverance can pay off. She never gives up!”

Hackney’s Young Woman of the Year Award went Rebecca Samuel (16) from Warburton Estate, Rebecca said “I am so delighted to have won, I can’t believe it! I didn’t expect to win but I’m so thankful to everyone who nominated me. As a member of Hackney Youth Parliament and YWG, I’m going to continue to work to make Hackney a better place for young women and all young people”

“This was an amazing day in which the young ladies of Hackney got to interact, socialise, and celebrate each others achievements & experiences and even more importantly, let their hair down, relax and have fun!”