Every young person has rights: We, as a representative council for 11-25 year olds, advocate for positive change and children’s rights across the city.
On World Children’s Day, members of Cardiff Youth Council met with Cardiff Public Services Board (PSB), a group of Cardiff leaders and decisions makers who work to strengthen the city’s public services. The event, led by young people, aimed to inform PSB members about Cardiff Youth Council’s current priorities and have discussions about how these priorities can influence the board’s actions.
Cardiff Youth Council members getting ready for the event ahead
Cardiff Youth Council members, Ryan, Mikaeel and Jesslin hosted the event and started the day by introducing the Leader of Cardiff Council and PSB Chair, Cllr Huw Thomas, who set the scene with a speech highlighting the importance of peer led collaboration.
Between September 2022 and February 2023, Cardiff Youth Council delved into 2 robust sources: the Cardiff Council’s Child Friendly Cities (CFC) Survey and the School Healthy Research Network (SHRN) data. The 2022 CFC survey, participated in by 7,660 primary and secondary pupils, and the SHRN data with responses from over 11,000 secondary students, provided a rich tapestry of insights into the lives and aspirations of young people in Cardiff.
Based on this thorough data analysis, Cardiff Youth Council chose 3 priorities: Cost of living; Health and Wellbeing; Gender. Youth Council members created and delivered presentations based on these priorities to the PSB members, and then engaged in subsequent meaningful discussions about future joint working.
Cost of Living
In our presentation on the cost of living, we highlighted how financial pressures are increasingly impacting the youth of Cardiff. We spoke about the struggles our peers face, from concerns over rising educational expenses to the burden of basic necessities becoming unaffordable for many families. Our emphasis was on the need for innovative solutions to provide support concerning transport, school meal prices and finance education.
Health and Wellbeing
When discussing health and wellbeing, we stressed the need for more accessible mental health resources and supportive environments in schools and communities. We shared our vision on providing accessible, supportive and private ‘safe spaces’ for young people in schools, libraries, hubs and leisure centres.
Gender
Our presentation on gender revolved around the importance of gender equity and inclusivity in all aspects of life in Cardiff. We talked about the challenges faced by young people due to gender stereotypes and discrimination, and the impact this has on our ability to express ourselves and participate fully in society.
Reflections and Looking Forward
this day was not just about sharing Cardiff Youth Council’s views; it was a validation of their role in shaping Cardiff’s future. It reaffirmed our belief that young people’s opinions are valuable and necessary for creating a vibrant, inclusive city.
Cardiff Youth Council are more motivated than ever to continue this journey of advocacy and change!
Two members from the Cardiff Youth Council recently made their voices heard at the UK Youth Parliament (UKMYP) sitting in the House of Commons. This important event provided them a platform to discuss national food-related issues affecting young people.
The Core Topics
The debate focused on five key topics: Holiday Hunger, Quality of Food, Standardisation, Financing and Funding, and Additional Pricing. These issues directly impact the daily lives of young people in the UK.
Cardiff’s Proud Representation
Our Cardiff Youth Council representatives, Shifa and Zack, both actively engaged in the debate, with Shifa also playing a pivotal role as a debate lead, highlighting her leadership skills and passion. This involvement underscores the importance of youth participation in shaping policies.
Making a Difference
The UKMYP’s vote on a motion to take forward marked a significant step in advocating for youth-centric policies. Our representatives’ active participation exemplified Cardiff’s commitment to empowering young voices.
Celebrating Youth Leadership
This event was a testament to the capabilities of young people in Cardiff, showcasing their ability to influence and lead on major platforms. As Cardiff continues to uphold its status as a UNICEF accredited Child Friendly City, such involvement is crucial in ensuring the rights of all children in our city.
In line with Cardiff’s status as the UK’s first UNICEF accredited “Child Friendly City,” a great Debatemate tournament recently took place. The event engaged students from Cardiff Youth Council (CYC), Willows High School and Cardiff West Community High School in debates on societal issues, with a focus on gender equity. The pinnacle of this two-day affair was a spirited final debate on the motion: “This house would impose stricter measures against content that perpetuates gender stereotypes on social media platforms.” The occasion was further elevated by insights from special guests Nikki Giant and Sabiha Azad.
The Essence of Debatemate:
A forerunner in youth development, Debatemate aims to cultivate skills like effective communication, critical thinking, and teamwork. By fostering an environment for robust debate, students gain a more nuanced understanding of complex societal issues.
Who Stood on the Podium:
Proposition: Members Ffion, Aoife, and Malo represented CYC and Gwion represented Willows High School. Their articulate arguments underscored the youth council’s ongoing efforts to empower local youth.
Opposition: Students Fatima, Franklyn, Pamela and Jessica, from Willows High School exemplified the spirit of inquiry and debate nurtured within the educational system of Cardiff.
The Central Theme: Gender Equity:
All debates leading up to the final focused on various aspects of gender equity, culminating in the decisive final motion. The conversations around this theme were greatly enriched by our special guests, Nikki Giant and Sabiha Azad, who represented opposing views in the final debate.
Nikki Giant: A member of the Advisory Panel for the Children’s Commissioner for Wales and founder of The Girl Lab, Nikki supported the proposition. Her experience added a layer of gravitas to the conversation.
Sabiha Azad: A Cardiff-based Change Maker with a focus on gender inequality, Sabiha took the opposition’s side. Her perspectives added complexity to the arguments, particularly with her background in anti-racism work and representation for Women Against Violence Europe.
A Riveting Finale:
The final debate was a high-stakes exchange of ideas, backed by research and ethical considerations. Nikki Giant, in alignment with the proposition, advocated for imposing stricter measures against gender-stereotypical content on social media. On the other side, Sabiha Azad, along with the opposition panel, offered a compelling counterargument questioning the implications of such measures.
The audience was gripped as Ffion, Aoife, Gwion and Malo from proposition and Fatima, Franklyn, Pamela and Jessica from the opposition went head-to-head. Both sides presented compelling arguments, making it a memorable finale that left a lasting impression on all attendees.
Proposition
The proposition proposed that stricter measures should be imposed because of the following reasons:
Promotion of Equality: Stricter measures could help to challenge and change harmful gender stereotypes, promoting greater equality.
Protection of Vulnerable Individuals: Stricter measures can help protect vulnerable individuals, particularly children and young people, from being exposed to harmful content that could influence their views and attitudes towards gender.
Responsibility of Platforms: Social media platforms have a responsibility to ensure that their content does not perpetuate harmful stereotypes or discrimination. Stricter measures could hold platforms accountable for the content they allow to be shared.
Opposition
The opposition didn’t disagree that gender stereotyping is bad, but they said stricter measures could have the following negative effects:
Freedom of Speech: Imposing stricter measures could be seen as a limitation on freedom of speech, as individuals may be censored or restricted from expressing their views.
Subjectivity: Determining what content perpetuates gender stereotypes can be subjective and open to interpretation. Stricter measures could result in the censorship of content that may not necessarily be harmful.
Critical thinking: Diminish people’s choice and ability to be able to critically think about information they may see on social media platforms.
They suggested that there should be other ways to improve/eliminate gender stereotyping through education.
What stood out?
Participants were split up into 5 groups and asked what subjects they covered over the 2 days stood out to them and what they think the council should prioritise for consideration. Each group were asked to come up with 3 subjects each. These were gathered in and then the whole group was asked to rank the subjects put forward, the following graph was the result:
Implications and Future Directions:
The event served as a microcosm for how discourse around complex issues like gender equity can be incorporated into the educational landscape. It offered valuable insights for the local authority on ways to adopt a children’s rights approach to education and governance.
CYC have three priorities that they are working on to improve outcomes and services to all children and young people across the city.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Cost of Living
Gender Equity
As part of the Gender Equity work CYC will incorporate the findings from the Debatemate Final into their thinking when trying to make these improvements.
Conclusion:
The Debatemate tournament was more than a competition; it was an enactment of Cardiff’s commitment to children’s rights and equitable society. It showcased how constructive dialogue, fostered by collaboration between educational institutions and experts, can pave the way for positive social change.
In a world often fraught with disagreement, Cardiff’s youth have shown us that nuanced debate is not a lost art but a vital tool in navigating our shared future.
Child Friendly Cardiff have partnered with Plan UK (Wales) to launch a social action grant scheme for young people aged 13-25. Up to £1,000 in grants are available for projects aiming to create a gender equal Cardiff.
Yesterday, a young person assessment panel convened to assess the grant applications and discuss which project ideas they felt should receive the funding. It was an inspiring evening listening to project ideas led by young people who are passionate about improving circumstances in Cardiff.
The successful projects will be informed soon and will begin their journey of bringing their ideas to life. We can’t wait to hear about how the projects get on and the impact they are having!
In July, members of Cardiff Youth Council were involved in a process called Legislative Theatre. The process involved young people identifying issues relating to gender and showcasing these in a set of scenes. The scenes were then performed to senior decision makers and professionals who worked collaboratively with the young people to find resolutions to the issues identified.
Dawn Mitchell-Williams, the Head of Physical Activity and Health at Cardiff Met Sport was one of the audience members and, met with some of the young people last night to discuss the issues that they raised.
It was a great meeting of discussion about sport and how gender can impact young people’s experiences of being active.
Cardiff Youth Council are excited about the relationship being developed with Cardiff Met Sport and look forward to future collaborations!
Yesterday, members of Cardiff Youth Council convened a Young person’s interview panel as part of the interview process for a new role at Cardiff Met Sport. The new role focuses on physical activity and sport available to children and young people, aged 3 to 18.
The young people interviewed some great candidates and enjoyed the day.
Thank you to @CMetSport for ensuring that our voices were listened to and we look forward to engaging with the successful candidate in the future!
We are a group of children and young people ages 10-25 who were asked to come together to evaluate the Child Friendly Cardiff (UNICEF) project from a children’s rights perspective. We represent a range of different organisations and forums, Cardiff Child Friendly Advisory Board, Cardiff Youth Council, Oasis, National Youth and Advocacy Service (NYAS), and Ministry of Life. We feel very privileged to be asked to scrutinise the evaluation report. We were also delighted to be given the opportunity to invite Senior Decision Makers on Cardiff Council to a formal examination, where we were able to ask them some important questions in relation to the delivery of the Child Friendly Programme and the implementation of a children’s rights approach.
You can read what we did and our recommendations here:
Authored by: Children and Young People Expert Committee
Supported by Observatory on Human Rights of Children Dr Rhian Croke and Helen Dale.
At its core, Debate Mate is an employability programme which aims to equip young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with the skills and opportunities to secure meaningful employment. To do this, we set up and run after-school debating clubs in areas of high educational disadvantage, recruiting top university students to deliver our programmes while acting as inspiring role models and peer to peer mentors. Our transformative methodology, which uses debating as a vehicle to teach key 21st century employability skills, is proven to develop critical and creative thinking, empathy, resilience, leadership, teamwork and, above all, core confidence in the young people we work with. Over the past ten years, more than 65,000 young people have benefited from our programmes.”
We have been working with Debate Mate on a 2-day course at the Social Science Research Park – Cardiff University (SPARK) building. We have been learning new skills such as the basics of debating as well as more advanced work on generating arguments and rebuttal. We also covered a range of topics and motions including a final debate on gender equality in sports.
The Debate Mate mentors commented:
“All round, I saw all students participate and gain confidence throughout the day and they felt much more prepared and knowledgeable!” and that, “the students that had already done the program were acting as team leaders and were taking charge in the groups which was also nice to see.”
During October half term we will be working again with the team to debate gender equity issues against pupils from schools across the city. This will help shape the work we do going forward, trying to help improve gender equity.
Here are some of things our members involved said:
Steffan says – “Vegan coronation chicken sandwiches were bangin.”
Jesslin says – “As a person who loves to debate, I found the workshop incredible! The programme was compressed of brilliant methods and techniques to improve our points during a debate as well as giving us things to look out for whilst opposing to other views. The workshop also provided us with several opportunities to practise these skills amongst each other, which was definitely a great laugh. On the whole, it was a fun and exciting experience that has really helped us all become great debaters!”
Megan says – “From the beginning, Debatemate training was both extremely enjoyable and fascinating. Over its two days, not only learning about the workings of parliamentary debates but taking part in our own versions of them meant that I had alot of fun; I left the training feeling not only that I’d improved my skills in debating, but that I was sad that the two days were over. “
Rydym wedi bod yn gweithio gyda Debate Mate ar gwrs deuddydd yn adeilad Parc Ymchwil y Gwyddorau Cymdeithasol – Prifysgol Caerdydd (SPARK). Rydym wedi bod yn dysgu sgiliau newydd megis hanfodion dadlau yn ogystal â gwaith mwy datblygedig ar gynhyrchu dadleuon a thalentog. Gwnaethom hefyd ymdrin ag ystod o bynciau a chynigion gan gynnwys dadl derfynol ar gydraddoldeb rhywiol mewn chwaraeon.
Dywedodd y mentoriaid Discuss Mate:
“Yn gyffredinol, gwelais yr holl fyfyrwyr yn cymryd rhan ac yn magu hyder trwy gydol y dydd ac roeddent yn teimlo’n llawer mwy parod a gwybodus!” a bod, “Roedd y myfyrwyr a oedd eisoes wedi gwneud y rhaglen yn gweithredu fel arweinwyr tîm ac yn cymryd cyfrifoldeb yn y grwpiau a oedd hefyd yn braf i’w gweld.”
Yn ystod hanner tymor mis Hydref, byddwn yn gweithio eto gyda’r tîm i drafod materion cydraddoldeb rhywiol yn erbyn disgyblion o ysgolion ledled y ddinas. Bydd hyn yn helpu i lunio’r gwaith a wnawn wrth symud ymlaen, gan geisio helpu i wella cydraddoldeb rhywiol.
Dyma rai o’r pethau y mae ein haelodau yn cymryd rhan yn dweud:
Dywed Steffan – “Roedd brechdanau ieir coroni fegan yn bangin.”
Dywed Jesslin – “Fel person sydd wrth ei fodd yn trafod, roedd y gweithdy’n anhygoel! Cywasgwyd y rhaglen o ddulliau a thechnegau gwych i wella ein pwyntiau yn ystod dadl yn ogystal â rhoi pethau i ni edrych amdanynt wrth wrthwynebu safbwyntiau eraill. Roedd y gweithdy hefyd yn rhoi sawl cyfle i ni ymarfer y sgiliau hyn ymhlith ei gilydd, a oedd yn sicr yn chwerthinllyd iawn. Ar y cyfan, roedd yn brofiad hwyliog a chyffrous sydd wedi ein helpu ni i gyd i ddod yn ddadleuwyr gwych!”
Dywed Megan – “O’r dechrau, roedd hyfforddiant Trafod yn hynod o bleserus a diddorol. Dros ei ddeuddydd, nid yn unig dysgu am sut mae dadleuon seneddol yn gweithio, ond roedd cymryd rhan yn ein fersiynau ein hunain ohonynt yn golygu fy mod yn cael llawer o hwyl; Gadewais yr hyfforddiant yn teimlo nid yn unig fy mod wedi gwella fy sgiliau wrth drafod, ond fy mod yn drist bod y ddau ddiwrnod drosodd. “
Last night, members of CYC performed their Legislative Theatre performance to senior decision makers and engaged in conversations with them on issues relating to gender equity in schools.
It was great to see adults & young people collaboratively discuss barriers and solutions.
Thank you to all that took part in such an insightful conversation, including @Merryse235, @AshL93, @JulieSangani and @NikkiGiant for reflecting upon policy ideas created in the session.
We can’t wait to see the next steps based on the issues that the young people raised!
As you’re aware, Cardiff Youth Council has set up a Gender Equality Steering Group to explore experiences of gender inequality and what can be done within the city to improve this.
As part of this, the members of the Gender Equality Steering Group have been involved in a process called ‘Legislative Theatre’. It involves young people and decision makers working together in a creative process to identify, develop, and build support for new policy, helping to reduce inequality.
We have been creating 2 scenes which the young people are going to perform to decision makers. The young people decided to centre their scenes on barriers and issues young people experience concerning sport, with a focus on gender, based on their own experiences.
To ensure the young people could fully emerge in the process, we had a residential at Rock UK. We had a great time, not only in our legislative theatre rehearsal sessions but also through taking part in climbing, bouldering, and caving.
The Gender Equality Steering Group can’t wait to work with decision makers at the final performance, as well as ongoing, to achieve gender equity.
