YOUTHLINK Scotland have launched Youngwummin, a unique exhibition in partnership with the National Library of Scotland.

It celebrates 100 years since women first received the vote and reflects on women’s rights post the end of WW1.

Deborah Anderson, joint youth work lead for Stirling Council, said: “The seeds of feminism, equality and history have been planted firmly in young people’s minds and I believe well after this project ends, young people involved will continue to learn and be passionate about the cause of women’s equality, both past and present.”

Some of the young people involved in the project gave their thoughts.

One said: “Before doing this project, I did not know about the role of women.

"I relate to the suffragettes standing up for what they believed in and campaigning for what they felt they deserved.

"I wouldn’t like to not have something because I’m a girl.”

One of the young men involved said: “The project has changed me, it has changed the way I think about women.

"I have improved my confidence and views on equality.”

As part of Scotland’s Year of Young People, young researchers across Scotland have been exploring women’s rights past and present.

The project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in Scotland, has provided young people with the opportunity to explore women’s history and support them to conduct research on the impact of WW1 and the suffragette movement on today’s society.

Amy Calder, project lead at YouthLink Scotland, said: “Through the Youngwummin project, a number of early-career youth workers have received support and training to develop their youth work, youth-led research and to support these young heritage researchers to understand women’s experiences during WW1 and reflect on how that resonates with their lives today.”

Maree Todd, Minister for Childcare and Early Years and Scotland’s dedicated minister for Year of Young People, commented on the launch of the exhibition.

She said: “Year of Young People is helping to celebrate and showcase the amazing talents and achievements of young people in Scotland. 

"So I’m delighted to open the Youngwummin exhibition which has been developed by young people and looks at the impact of WW1 on women in Scotland, their significant contribution to the war effort and celebrates 100 years since women first received the vote.”

Sarah Wilmott, exhibitions assistant at the National Library, said: “It’s been a privilege to collaborate with YouthLink and young people from across Scotland on this project.

"It was fascinating to see how these young researchers engaged and responded to our collections in such creative ways.

"This exhibition is not to be missed.”

Five youth projects across the country have contributed to the exhibition.

The display is divided into three themes: Scottish Women’s Hospitals; Women, Work & Home; and Women’s Suffrage and the War.

The exhibition will also include two short films, made by the young people: one showcasing a dance performance called ‘Women Were One’, created by Shaper Caper, and a film created at the Sky Academy exploring the themes and impact of the project.

The changing role of women during this time was a fascinating subject for the young people and led them to reflect on how, despite women’s efforts during the war, they remained largely unrecognised.