Louise Riordan is the coordinator for the Y Factor Project with the National Women’s Council of Ireland. The Y Factor is about supporting and empowering young people to take action for women’s equality.  Ideas, initiative, a bit of common sense and the desire to do something, big or small, are all it takes to be part of that action.

Because I am a Girl I ask …why not a girl?  Why the fear of women going into politics or decision making positions

Because I am a Girl I believe … in empathy.  Empathy needs to be taught and shown at an early age.  Compassionate children make future compassionate young people and adults.

Because I am a Girl I hope … things are better for all girls and women in the future

Because I am a Girl I wonder … why women can’t help each other more in places of power.

Because I am a Girl I dream … of healthier safer cities

Because I am a Girl I remember … loving playing sports (usually with the boys) but found girls reluctant to get involved for fear of getting sweaty or not being good enough.

Because I am a Girl I like … lots of things

Because I am a Girl I dislike … lots of things but mostly people that don’t listen or shut people out on purpose.

Because I am a Girl I feel …  I will have less choice in the future and more judgement placed on me for the decisions I make around relationships, children and career

Because I am a Girl I celebrate… being a woman and being my own woman and all the wonderful women I know and come into contact with through The Y Factor and National Women’s Council of Ireland

The views expressed in all blogs, are those of the authors only and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Plan Ireland