Meet the young women and girls making change in Edinburgh

THE Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women’s leadership and rights, has today announced this year’s 30 Under 30 – a list of young women and girls in Scotland who are leading change and excelling in their fields.

Now in its ninth iteration, the 30 Under 30 campaign seeks to celebrate young women and girls’ impact in Scotland across a diverse range of experiences.

This year’s list includes young women and girls from age 13 to 30, from Shetland to Dumfries and Galloway, who are celebrated for their campaigning, community work, leadership and excellence in arts, sports, and leadership.

This year’s list includes six people from Edinburgh:

·       Alanis McQuillen, a Scottish Parliament staffer who has advocated for better visibility and participation of women in Parliament

·       Alice Cruickshank, a BBC journalist and producer whose content focuses on empowering and connecting with young people

·       Alyssa Faulkner, a campaigner for better medical access, care and awareness for people living with diabetes

·       Beth Davidson, 27-year-old CEO of mental health charity ‘Feeling Strong’

·       Gemma Smith, advocate for rights and opportunities for care-experienced people

·       Khadea Santi, an artist who led a Youth Art Takeover at the Fruitmarket and whose work explores diaspora, identity and memory.

Jenni Snell, CEO of The Young Women’s Movement, said: ‘It’s a privilege to celebrate these inspiring and tenacious young women and girls, who are creating change in their communities, lives and across society in myriad ways.

“We know that this is a particularly challenging time for young women and girls in Scotland, as they are disproportionately affected by poor access to healthcare, the cost-of-living crisis, and a rise in misogynistic rhetoric.

“Reading this year’s nominations for 30 Under 30 and seeing the impact that young women and girls are having despite this was a moving experience, and we are delighted to celebrate their successes and courage for the ninth year.’

The full 30 Under 30 list can be viewed on The Young Women’s Movement’s website.