This Sister Speaks with Lauren Mighty Grrl Movement

In this episode you'll hear me chatting to Lauren - a primary teacher in her 30s, working in East London - who founded a female empowerment group for 9-11 year olds - Mighty Grrl Movement. She describes herself as a feminist killjoy and book obsessive - how could I not interview her?! I jumped at the chance to record a podcast episode with Lauren because she's a feminist teacher and is trying to implement change in the best way she can, but has also found a way to broaden her reach. With both of us being teachers, we've got a lot to say about the state of the education system, and the lack of diversity in the curriculum and it was great to hear how Lauren is tackling the issue head on. She's having difficult conversations about privilege with colleagues, but also going grass roots. She's using her skills to equip kids with the power to make change and recognise that diversity and being different are strengths, not weaknesses. Her club aims to build kids' self-esteem through arts and crafts, learning about women's history, learning about their own cultural history, fundraising and philosophical discussions. I really do think our curriculum needs to change to encompass Herstory. We talk about teacher training, consent, privilege, and the way that language around race and gender from those with a platform infiltrates the minds of small children and so many things in between! Her club's belief is: 'If they can see it, they can be it.' And dammmmmnnn is she right! Representation matters!! Children, particularly girls and children of colour, need to see themselves reflected in the media they are consuming to understand their importance and value in the world.  'Mighty Grrl Movement' is named as such after Riot Grrrl (the feminist punk movement) which for Lauren (and many more of us!) helped her figure out her place in the world through creative outlets – fashion, music, writing. I love how Lauren has created this movement and I hope that these girls harness this powerful movement, growing up to smash those glass ceilings and taking a hammer to the patriarchy. I hope you enjoy being a fly on the wall in our conversation, it's a good one and it'll hopefully leave you feeling ready to go out and make a difference! Find out more about Mighty Grrl Movement, follow Lauren on Instagram  @mightygrrlmovement and go buy one of the t-shirts that Lauren has designed for your daughter or niece (or even treat yourself if you can get away with a kids size!)! Not only are they awesome, but 25% of the profits of every t-shirt sold goes to a charity or organisation that supports and empowers girls, women and the LGBT+ community. Lauren also has a more candid blog about feminism and teaching, called Killing Venus. Act of rebellion: Stop buying from brands that only use white faces. Stop purchasing magazines that white-wash their models. Put your money where your mouth is. Send tweets or leave comments where you notice a lack of diversity. Amplify the BAME voices around you. Be an ally. Make space for lived experiences. There's so much you can do but that's a start.