Girlguiding unveils 72 new badges including 'fandoms' and 'laughter'

Girl guides can now earn badges for activities such as "fandoms", being a "booktivist" and sharing their "guiding sparkle".

In total, 72 new badges are on offer, marking an historic update to the youth organisation's offering.

The move was a response to girls' requests to broaden Girlguiding's scope to include activities such as environmental conservation and building confidence, according to a statement.

Acting CEO Amanda Azeez called the launch a "huge moment", emphasising the importance of the 116-year-old organisation "staying relevant to girls' wants and needs".

More than 20,000 girls and volunteers helped design the new badges and 11,000 girls tested out the activities that need to be completed to earn them.

Girlguiding ambassador and TV presenter Angellica Bell said trying the new badges had been "a real blast".

She said the organisation helped build girls' confidence "whilst tackling important issues impacting their lives such as online harm, sexism and misogyny".

"I know firsthand just how important it is for girls to have activities outside of school to educate but also have fun," she added.

The last time Girlguiding introduced new badges was in 2018 - almost 110 years after its founding.

Originally called the Girl Guide Association, the organisation was founded in 1909 by Agnes Baden-Powell to give girls the opportunity to take part in outdoor activities like the Scouts had for boys (which was incidentally set up by her brother).

Famous members include the late Queen Elizabeth II, who became a Guide in 1937 at the age of 11.

Fatima, a member of Girlguiding's youth steering group, said the new badges showed how the programme was "always evolving with us".

The 18-year-old added: "It's empowering to know our voices help shape what guiding looks like for the future."