Viral campaign fights media's objectification of women

The campaign has gained global attention and been up for awards

Posted by Stephanie Broad | October 19, 2016 | School life

• #st-albans-high-school-for-girls
• #stahs
• #women-not-objects
• #campaign
• #sexism
• #jenny-brown

Sixth form students at St Albans High School for Girls (STAHS) have been working on a campaign designed to highlight and challenge the objectification of women and girls in the media.

The Women, Not Objects campaign is a viral, word-of-mouth campaign which has gained global attention and been nominated for awards because of its positive social impact. 

As part of an initiative within the campaign called "I Stand Up," STAHS girls worked individually or in pairs, creating an imaginative image or a short film to signify the power that they have to effect change.

"This initiative is welcome in every way," says Jenny Brown, Headmistress at STAHS. "It gets pupils out - communicating and connecting with the real world, rather than obsessing over cyber media gossip. Trending today online - top celebrities with hair extensions; Trending at STAHS - top students extending their minds.

"I'm really proud that STAHS girls are taking a stand. In a week that sees reports of girls being held back by anxiety about stereotypes, sexism and anxiety about how they look, it's great to see girls expressing themselves, having fun and standing up for something important."

The project is part of the school's Perspectives series for sixth formers, which aims to encourage students to engage with contemporary debates, to forge partnerships with people within and beyond the community, to think big and to grow personally, socially and intellectually.