Young women from Ballakermeen High School marked International Women’s Day on March 8 by holding a debate in the House of Keys.

The sitting was held under the auspices of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) British Islands and Mediterranean Region (BIMR) Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) network.

Four motions were moved and carried unanimously.

Lucie Hepworth, representing Arbory, Castletown and Malew, moved: ‘That this House is of the opinion that period poverty is a real issue in the Isle of Man and calls on the Council of Ministers to introduce a support programme.’

Ania Majewska, representing Ramsey, moved: ‘That this House is of the opinion that the Department for Enterprise should undertake a review of working conditions for young people and report to Tynwald by the end of December 2024.’

Jessica Scott, representing Ayre and Michael, moved: ‘That this House is of the opinion that the Department for Education, Sport and Culture should require all schools to review their uniform policy to ensure that they are non-discriminatory and in accordance with the statutory equality provisions.’

Isabel Halsall, representing Onchan, moved: ‘That this House is of the opinion that legislation to make catcalling an offence should be introduced.’

Ahead of the sitting a number of students had the opportunity to join a cross-regional webinar hosted by the Parliament of Malta in Valletta, the setting for the 10^th BIMR CWP conference where the Isle of Man was represented by Hon Daphne Caine MHK, Ann Corlett MHK and Sarah Maltby MHK. The conference took for its theme ‘Resilient Women: Moulding Girls into Strong Women.’

Reflecting on the sitting Isabel Halsall said: ‘It was an amazing experience. I’m very much a feminist and passionate about voicing issues affecting women today. It was also interesting to hear from and share experiences with women from other regions during the webinar.’

Jessica Scott said: ‘I was surprised and pleased that the girls had each other’s backs during the debate. When the opportunity to take part today was first proposed, for me it was a no-brainer. Taking part, meeting Members, and having our voices heard has been so worthwhile.’

Ania Majewska said: ‘An event like this has been a long time coming and it’s been so valuable to have this opportunity to share our views about working conditions for young people, women especially. Perhaps, though, if a similar event were to be held, it would be good if more Members were able to observe the proceedings.’

Lucie Hepworth said: ‘I’m passionate about equality and I was keen to share my personal experience in the debate. To be able to speak on topics that matter to young women has been a great experience, and hearing from other women during the webinar was really eye-opening and made us feel that we’re not just lone voices.  We all believe that education before legislation is the way forward, so I think that if there were to be another event like this, there’d be value if boys were to take part as well.’

Serving as Speaker of the House of Keys for the sitting was the former President of Tynwald, Clare Christian OBE, who praised the students for their well-prepared and also spontaneous contributions and she concluded by underlining the importance of education to bring about change.

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For further information contact:

Joann Corkish
Deputy Clerk of Tynwald
Legislative Buildings
Douglas
IM1 3PW
Tel: 01624 685511
j.corkish@tynwald.org.im