Young people from local secondary school and sixth form colleges will be amongst around 10,000 students who will be taking part in a virtual and real-time human rights conference at Lytchett Minster School in Poole on Thursday 29 September.

The theme for this year’s STAND UP conference is ‘Free and Equal?’ offering students the opportunity to come together nationally and internationally to discuss the issues of sexism, misogyny and harassment.

This not-for profit conference boasts an impressive line-up of inspirational speakers including Felicity Aston, the first and only woman to ski across Antarctica alone.

Another headline speaker is Gemma Aitchison, founder of Yes Matters, a campaigning and educating organisation focused against violence and abusive behaviour towards women. Yes Matters was set up by Gemma after her younger sister, Sasha Marsden, was violently attacked and murdered.

Gemma said: “I am so pleased to be part of this conference because it comes at a time where boys are being groomed by misogynistic influencers and girls are feeling unsafe. It gives us an opportunity, as teaching professionals, to empower young people to have healthy relationships with themselves and others.”

A world champion beatboxer, vocalist and life coach Dana McKeon will kick off the day. She will share how she has progressed from feeling silenced following sexual harassment and assault to becoming empowered to express herself creatively and purposefully.

Dana, who has shared the stage with leading artists such as Bruno Mars and Stormzy, said: “I’ll be sharing some personal experiences of sexism and sexual harassment and looking at ways we can empower ourselves and others who are facing similar challenges.”

Student speakers are also taking part. Sally Saint, a sixth form student from Sir John Colfox Academy in Bridport, will share what it feels like to be hearing misogynistic views daily and how she gains inspiration from people breaking the cycle of what society believes women should be.

Sasha Payne, a sixth former at Blandford School, will talk about her focus as an Equality Ambassador for the school, using her passion for gender equality to make changes in the school environment.

This state-of-the art conference combines live link-ups with interactive feedback and discussions from the audience.

Peter Radford, organiser of the conference and a Dorset-based education, training and motivational expert, said: “The spaces for pupils coming in person are nearly full but the great thing about technology is we can accommodate more schools virtually.”

This conference is organised in liaison with Unicef UK and Amnesty International and sponsored by Life Lessons, The Young People Index and African Adventures.

To find out more visit: STAND UP #2 Conference 2022 – Beyond This