New campaign to tackle peer sexual abuse and harassment

A campaign created by teenage girls to promote healthy relationships and tackle peer sexual abuse and harassment has been launched in Dundee.

Megan White, Oliwia Szychulska, Fatima Ishaq, Ashley Henderson, Elena Munoz, and Tamara Millan have created an electronic toolkit and materials to encourage conversations and share where to get support if a relationship doesn’t feel right.

The students – from schools in Dundee, Dundee and Angus College, and the University of Dundee – were supported by NSPCC Scotland, YWCA Scotland – the Young Women’s Movement, Dundee City Council, WRASAC, Women’s Aid, Girl Guiding and NHS Tayside’s public health team.

Campaigners: Elena Munoz and Ashley Henderson. STV News

Speaking about the Oor Fierce Girls campaign, Baldragon Academy pupil Ashley said: “This campaign has been such an incredible experience for me.

“It’s really allowed to me to break out of my comfort zone and has given me a voice to speak out about a topic that is important to me.

“I’ve been given the opportunity to give feedback and opinions on how it’s run and what is included, so I’ve felt like a valuable part of the team.

“I’ve met some lovely people and this campaign has been an important and exciting part of my life for the past few months.

“If this campaign reaches even one girl and reminds her that she isn’t alone and that she deserves to ask for help, I can rest knowing that someone’s life has been made that much easier for them.

“All I want to come from this is for somebody to be given the courage to speak up about an issue, and to be provided with the support they deserve.”

Councillor Roisin Smith, depute convener of the children and families committee, described it as a “valuable toolkit” that will help young women and girls to understand healthy relationships.

She added: “It is so important that we all have conversations and talk openly about healthy relationships and how to spot any issues that arise.

“It’s great to see that the toolkit not only targets the young women and girls’ peers, but parents and teachers too.

“After the summer, the toolkits will be shared with school staff in Dundee to help them support young girls in a way that is supportive and not degrading.

“This is only the beginning of the campaign and I look forward to seeing it grow.”