Empowering young women and girls of colour: A blog for First minister's national advisory council on women and girls

When I think about the Scotland I want to see, it is one where every young person feels safe, valued, and able to thrive. But the reality is that young women and girls of colour often face unique barriers: racism, sexism, and cultural expectations that can make those opportunities harder to access. At Intercultural Youth Scotland (IYS), we are working every day to change that.

IYS was founded to put Black and People of Colour (BPoC) young people at the centre of conversations about equality, wellbeing, and opportunity. As Scotland’s leading anti-racist youth organisation, we focus on creating spaces where young people feel celebrated for who they are. For young women and girls, in particular, that means providing the tools, confidence, and community needed not just to overcome challenges, but to lead change.

Building safe and inclusive communities

One of the things I am most proud of at IYS is the way we create safe spaces for young people. I know from listening to young women and girls that growing up as a person of colour in Scotland can mean facing prejudice, stereotyping, or feeling “different” in school and community settings. Through our youth clubs, mentoring programmes, and creative workshops, we offer an environment where girls don’t need to explain themselves, they are understood and supported.

These spaces are about more than activities. They are places where young women can explore their identities, talk openly about their experiences, and connect with others who share their journeys. That sense of belonging is powerful, and it is often the foundation for building confidence and ambition.

Advocating in education

Education is one area where inequalities can really impact young women and girls of colour. IYS runs an Advocacy Service that steps in when young people face racist incidents, discriminatory policies, or barriers that stop them from achieving their best. I’ve seen how much difference it makes when a young person knows they are not alone, that someone is standing beside them to ensure their voice is heard.

We also work with schools and teachers, delivering training on anti-racist practice. For me, this is about shifting the system, not just supporting individuals when things go wrong but helping schools to create safer and more inclusive learning environments for everyone.

Supporting mental health and wellbeing

I know how hard it can be for young women of colour to find mental health support that feels relevant to their experiences. Too often, services don’t reflect cultural realities, and that can make reaching out for help feel impossible. That’s why IYS established a Culturally Competent Counselling Service.

Our counsellors understand the intersection of racism, sexism, and cultural identity, which means young women and girls don’t have to translate their experiences or downplay what they’re going through. They can come as they are and be met with understanding. I’ve seen the difference this makes in helping young people build resilience, self-belief, and strategies for wellbeing that truly work for them.

Creating pathways for leadership

Empowerment at IYS isn’t only about support, it is about leadership. We encourage young women to step forward, share their ideas, and take on roles where they can influence change. Whether through arts, music, politics, or activism, we give them platforms to be heard.

What excites me most is seeing young women who came to us for support go on to lead projects, influence policy, or advocate in their schools and communities. They prove every day that young women of colour aren’t just participants in Scotland’s future but are leaders shaping it.

Why this matters

The First Minister’s National Advisory Council on Women and Girls (NACWG) has been clear that gender equality cannot be achieved without recognising intersectionality. That principle is at the core of everything we do at IYS. By addressing the specific challenges faced by young women and girls of colour, we are tackling both racism and sexism, and working toward a fairer, more inclusive Scotland.

For me, the most powerful part of this work is seeing the transformation in young people’s lives. When young women are supported to thrive, they don’t just change their own futures, they lift up their families, their communities, and society as a whole.

Looking ahead

IYS is more than a youth organisation. To the young people who come through our doors, it is a home, a community, and a place where they can dream big. As Scotland continues its journey towards equality, I believe the work of IYS shows what is possible when we centre young voices, listen deeply, and act with courage.

The future of Scotland depends on the energy, ideas, and leadership of its young women and girls. At IYS, we are making sure those voices are not just heard but celebrated and empowered.

Find out more about the work of the First Minister's National Advisory Council on Women and Girls here https://www.generationequal.scot/