Wubi News

'Girls shouldn't have to wear skirts to school'

2025-06-03 17:00:15
Astrid and Rhea drove a policy change on skirts at their school

Some schools in Northern Ireland already allow girls to have a choice between trousers and skirts.

Enniskillen Integrated Primary were prompted to change their policy after Rhea and Astrid contacted Dr Mairead Ryan, whose research outlined a relation between school uniforms and physical activity.

In a letter to the school, Dr Ryan said: "Gendered uniforms can limit girls' movement and engagement in physical activities."

"Uniform items like dresses and skirts can restrict certain movements and inhibit young girls from climbing, jumping, and participating in other forms of active play that are crucial for their development," she added.

Rhea said: "I didn't really like being made to wear a skirt, it just felt wrong. It's 2025.

"It's quite hard to run around without your skirt blowing up in the wind," she added.

"All schools have the power to change it so if you have the power, then I think you probably should."

Astrid said: "I think its important to have the choice for our privacy and for our comfort.

"It's weird that some schools don't give you the choice to wear trousers. It's a bit old school."

Givan says the decision lies with individual schools and their boards of governors.