Trailblazing duo return to Stormont to challenge uniform equality legislation in schools

NICCY Youth Panel members Astrid and Rhea will return to Stormont on Wednesday 4 March with Commissioner Chris Quinn, to present their case to the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Committee for Education that all schools across the country should be legally required to offer girls the choice of wearing trousers as part of their uniform.

In June 2025, Astrid and Rhea brought their campaign directly to the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Education Committee, the key body responsible for scrutinising education policy and shaping legislation.

Their proposal was considered as part of the School Uniforms Bill, which gained Royal Assent in February 2026 and became the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Act (Northern Ireland) 2026.

Since early 2025, the girls have taken a stand for school uniform equality. In their P7 year, they successfully campaigned to have the rules changed at their primary school, Enniskillen Integrated, to allow girls the option to wear trousers.

What began as a local campaign for fairness and comfort has now evolved into a broader fight for legislative change.

The girls’ efforts have already garnered widespread support in the media and online.

Footage of Rhea’s direct and honest statement to the committee gained international attention on social media, achieving over 1.5 million views and 470 comments on NICCY’s Facebook page. She said: “We have been told that skirts look tidier, but we think the boys look tidy in their trousers so we can too. This is not just for us; it’s for the girls in the past and for the girls in the future. We feel like everyone should have the option.

“It didn’t seem fair that we had to wear skirts when we were taking part in outdoor activities, or we wanted to do cartwheels at breaktime.”

Astrid added: “It’s about comfort, equality, and being able to choose. We’re really proud our school listened – now we want every school to do the same.”

The Committee commended the girls for their articulate and passionate presentation, remarking that their campaign “demonstrates the power of youth voice.”

Commissioner Chris Quinn said: “It is regrettable that the School Uniform Act (2026) does not include a clear legal right for girls to wear trousers in school. Leaving this decision to individual school policies means that, for some children and young people, unnecessary barriers remain to comfort, dignity and full participation in school life.

“It’s important that children and young people have legal protections that reflect their lived experience. A guaranteed right to choose to wear trousers would provide clarity, consistency, and reassurance, ensuring that children do not have to challenge or campaign for what should be a basic and reasonable choice.

“What children and young people have told us is simple, this is about fairness, comfort and being able to focus on learning. Uniform policies should support children’s wellbeing, not undermine it.

“The UNCRC requires that children’s best interests, dignity and equal treatment are upheld in everyday decisions, including what they are allowed to wear in school.

“We are all so incredibly proud of Astrid and Rhea. Their determination and confidence has driven an inspiring campaign that’s already making a real difference. They’ve shown remarkable courage in standing up for fairness, and their voices have helped push this issue forward in a way that adults and decision‑makers can’t ignore.”

NICCY’s attendance at this week’s evidence session with the Education Committee will take place from 2:15pm on Wednesday 4 March at the NI Assembly, Stormont. Watch live here – https://niassembly.tv/live-stream-2/.

If you’re a young person who has stood up for children’s rights, whether in your school, sports club, or community, the Commissioner wants to hear from you. You could be the next to receive a Child Rights Defender badge.

Speak up, take a stand, and inspire others. Get in touch at participation@niccy.org.