GIRLS from Mahdlo Youth Zone took part in new project to mark International Women’s Day which aims to empower them to become campaigners of the future.

As part of the Game Changers project they visited Salford Museum to discover more about the movement of the lesser known female campaigners and dressed as suffragettes to inspire their learning.

The initiative is helping the youngsters understand more about the peaceful methods they used to campaign– unlike the more militant and more famous suffragettes.

They created artwork including banners, sashes and posters with local artist Claire Hignett, which was on display at Gallery Oldham on Saturday where the group had a pop-up stall for members of the public to visit.

Kate Entwhistle, a youth worker from Mahdlo, said: “It has been great for the young people at the group to take part in this project – they have learned a lot about the work of the suffragists and the important role they played in securing the vote and justice for all.

“They have enjoyed attending skills workshops to help them become effective campaigners and leaders of the future by building self-esteem, social skills, confidence and raising aspirations and were looking forward to the taking part in International Women’s Day celebrations and displaying their work.”

As part of the project, which is run by Tandem Theatre and made possible by a grant by Heritage Lottery Fund, the young people have researched Oldham suffragist Sarah Lees, the first female mayor.

They also visited the People’s History Museum and Archives+ in Manchester and took part in a re-enactment of the 1908 Manchester Demonstration by marching though Lark Hill Place and Salford Museum and Art Gallery.

Frances Nutt, artistic director at Tandem Theatre, based in Salford, said: “The high-profile role of Emmeline Pankhurst and the more militant activities of the suffragettes can sometimes overshadow others who campaigned for women’s suffrage.

“Our Game Changers project highlights the lesser known suffragists, who used law abiding methods to campaign, to be an inspiration to young women today, as campaigning for women’s rights is still as relevant.”

The project, which is taking place across all 10 Greater Manchester boroughs, will culminate in a joint event on April 13 when young women will come together to display artwork and take part in a performance and mock debate at Manchester Central Library recreating the Women’s Bazaar of 1912.

For more information on the project go to https://tandemtheatre.com/game-changers/.