The workshops were at the center of a Nurturing Equality festival organized by youth-led social enterprise, Bold Voices, as the culmination of its year-long gender equality education program in collaboration with students from Bryanston. The festival brought together younger and older students to develop awareness and skills that will help minimize the risk of gender inequality overshadowing the lives of the next generation.

Natasha Eeles, Founder of Bold Voices, said: “Gender inequality and gender-based violence have plagued society for far too long, but changing behaviors and attitudes is a gradual process and there is no doubt that real solutions lie in the voice of the next generation.

“Having worked closely with Bryanston students over the past year, we have seen their passion and commitment in every interaction. This pioneering festival is a great way to see and celebrate the power of that participation and student voice in a way that provides practical support for young children who are about to make such an important transition to secondary school.

The festival workshops encouraged open discussion about the challenges associated with gender inequality and the importance of taking personal responsibility for addressing issues that can directly and indirectly normalize gender bias, stereotyping and violence.

Blandford School sixth alumnus Kyle Haines said: “The day itself was a great success and from the feedback we received I know how much our young participants enjoyed a learning experience based on open discussions with each other and with those of us nearing the end of our school years. There was truly a sense of unity and a collective determination to make a difference.

It is hoped that the success of the partnership between Bold Voices, Bryanston and Blandford School will serve as a model for similar school partnerships across the country.