STREET LEAGUE ENCOURAGING YOUNG FEMALES TO SMASH THE GLASS CEILING AND GET ACTIVE

Just a few weeks after celebrating International Women’s Day, Street League is highlighting their success in the Edinburgh area and the key support that is provided from players of People’s Postcode Lottery in the region.

Young females continue to face barriers in society, with certain spaces and industries – such as sport and STEM - remaining “boys clubs”. Since 2015, the number of women in STEM has grown, but there is still a large disparity. According to recent UCAS data provided by HESA, 35% of STEM students in higher education in the UK are women. This number drops further when looking at courses in Computer Sciences and Engineering and Technology, both sitting at just 19% female participation. In terms of the workforce, only 24% of STEM workers in the UK identify as female. 

Street League wants to encourage more females to follow their career goals and break down barriers, and with support from People’s Postcode Lottery players through the Postcode Active Trust, the impact of this work in local communities continues to be clear. Street League is also working to increase female participation in physical fitness and sport. A recent study by Women in Sport found that by the time they are 17/18 years old, a massive 55% of girls will have disengaged in all sports and physical exercise. Street League currently sees an average of 32% female participation across their programmes in the UK and has pledged to increase this to 50% by 2025.

“We’re still seeing a lack of representation of females across key industries and workforces in the UK, and in sports, a huge percentage of young women are missing out on the incredible physical and mental benefits of exercise and the enjoyment of sports. It is up to us, as current leaders, to listen to their concerns and needs, and design and facilitate programmes to enable participation. We must all do better to prevent women and girls from missing out.” - Dougie Stevenson, CEO of Street League

Street League runs free programmes for young people interested in daily sports sessions, skills building, qualifications, and career guidance in a fun, safe environment. Street League is currently helping young people across Scotland in Ayrshire, Dundee and Angus, Edinburgh and the Lothians, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, and Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.

Shakira Law, 16 from Musselburgh, recently took part in the Street League East Lothian programme and has kindly shared her story:

Shakira has found the last few years to be a rollercoaster of emotions. Now, she’s happy to be coming off that bumpy ride and looking towards her future thanks to support from Street League.

The country was in lockdown during her final year of school, and she felt she wasn’t achieving anything being stuck at home. Shakira aspired to create a career in the STEM field and when she heard about Street League, she decided to join so that she could keep fit whilst looking for a job or college course to help her move towards her goals. After being in and out of lockdowns and dealing with isolation, Shakira was struggling with her confidence levels and found it extremely difficult to speak in a group. Now, with the help of Street League, she is less shy and more comfortable speaking up. Shakira credits the staff at Street League for this improvement as they create a fun and welcoming environment that promotes teamwork and self-advocacy.  

Shakira now has high hopes for the future, with plans to one day join the Army to disarm and dispose of bombs and other dangerous explosive devices. For now, Street League has helped her secure a place to study Electrical Engineering at college and begin her journey. With such strong ambitions and work ethic, the staff at Street League are positive that Shakira will make her dreams a reality, and her newfound confidence will help her overcome any obstacles she may face.   

“My advice for other young people in my area is to trust the process. Respect the staff and other young people around you and you will get all the help you need.” – Street League participant Shakira

Street League continues to be committed to minimising the detrimental and long-term impact of the pandemic on young people who are just leaving school, looking for work, and in the very first stages of their career. This work is made possible thanks to support from key funders such as People’s Postcode Lottery and their players.

If you are a young person aged 16-24 or know of one who is looking for support with moving into work, education or further training, you can make a referral to a Street League programme here.