Angry young members of Girlguiding Scotland have hit out at the Daily Mail for its "Legs-it" front page featuring Theresa May and Nicola Sturgeon
Girlguiding Scotland is “shocked and disgusted” by a sexist Daily Mail front-page that undermined the UK prime minister and Scotland’s first inister.
20-year-old Hannah Brisbane, a Girlguiding member and leader from Edinburgh, has spoken out on behalf of the organisation, saying the tabloid newspaper’s “legsit” cover (below) would put young women off a career in politics.
She slammed “toxic media sexism” for stopping girls from achieving their potential.
“As a young woman, I was really shocked and disgusted to see the Daily Mail front page reducing two highly successful women to their body parts this morning,” said Hannah.
“As a politics student the kind of everyday sexism towards female leaders definitely gives me second thoughts about pursuing a career in politics if my looks are going to be considered the most important thing about me.”
Girlguiding UK carries out an annual Girls’ Attitudes Survey. In 2016, 52% of girls aged 11-21 said seeing gender stereotypes made them feel they might be held back in life because they are a girl. And 61% of girls aged 13-21 said it makes them feel disempowered when women are seen as sex objects.
Hannah continued: “Toxic media sexism is holding girls back from achieving their potential. It sends the message that girls and women continue to be judged more on how they look than what they have to say.
“As a leader with my local Guide unit, I’m proud to be part of an organisation that tackles sexism and empowers a girls and young women to become the leaders of tomorrow through initiatives like Girlguiding Scotland’s’ WOWwoman campaign which celebrates the achievements of female role models from all walks of life.
“Our action-packed programme offers girls a safe space to enjoy new experiences, gain new skills and take the lead – encompassing everything every from outdoor adventure to social action, international travel to advocacy.
Girlguiding Scotland is the country’s biggest youth organisation with 50,000 young members. We build girls’ confidence and raise their aspirations.
