A GROUP of Stroud High School sixth form pupils headed to the United Nations in New York.

The 22 teenage girls took part in the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), a worldwide convention dedicated to the promotion of gender equality.

CSW is instrumental in promoting women’s rights, documenting the reality of their lives throughout the world, and shaping global standards on gender equality.

This was a once in a life time opportunity, which allowed the students to work with Non-governmental organisations, meet members of Parliament and Government officials from all around the world.

The convention took a leading role in mainstreaming gender perspective in UN activities.

Pupils from Stroud High School recently met with David Drew to seek advice and lobby MP on surround issues for rural communities.

They were also taught how to hold the UK Government to account and Mr Drew has promised to return to see them.

The Stroud High School delegation offered their youth voice on many issues including: Women in Sport; Body Image and the Media; Violence against Women and Girls; Supporting Child Widows and more.

Having returned from New York they will be expected to carry out their action plans in influencing others on what they have learnt.