Rhea and Astrid, two determined students from County Fermanagh, have successfully campaigned for Enniskillen Integrated Primary School to allow girls the option to wear trousers instead of skirts. Their project is inspired by their own discomfort and a wish for more diverse options when it comes to school uniforms.
Rhea, who has long black hair and brown eyes, said she was really upset to have had to wear a skirt. She stated, “I didn’t really like being made to wear a skirt, it just felt wrong. It’s 2025.” Rhea made clear the practical challenges skirts pose, namely during athletic activity. She noted, “It’s quite hard to run around without your skirt blowing up in the wind.”
Astrid, visibly expressive with red afro curls and a black and green hoody, stood with Rhea as they both pushed for this amendment. She highlighted the need to provide choices in school uniform. “I think it’s important to have the choice for our privacy and for our comfort,” she remarked. Both students believe that allowing girls to wear trousers is essential for their well-being and participation in school activities.
Rhea and Astrid were inspired by examples of Northern Ireland schools who have already adopted a less formal uniform policy. This strategic understanding allowed the campaign to build momentum. They went on to say that it was “strange and unfair” that other schools continued to impose the old rule of requiring skirts.
Paul Givan, a representative for education in Northern Ireland, noted that decisions regarding school uniforms are made by individual schools and their boards of governors. This decentralization means that while some schools embrace change, others remain committed to outdated policies.
Dr. Ryan, a persistent voice for educational change, was in agreement with Rhea and Astrid. He highlighted how gendered uniforms limited girls’ mobility and participation in sport and physical exercise. This demonstrates the acute need for increased policy support.
Rhea concluded her thoughts on the matter by asserting, “All schools have the power to change it so if you have the power, then I think you probably should.” Equality is long overdue in the uniform policy, and their successful campaign proves that. More than anything, it signals a wonderful turn toward inclusivity and comfort in our educational spaces.
