Around 60 schoolgirls in Hampshire will attend an event on International Women's Day (8 March), to hear from inspirational women and learn about breast health.
The 11 to 13-year-olds will spend the day at Portsmouth Football Club's home stadium, Fratton Park. They'll get to meet women working in male-dominated industries, including sport, construction, emergency services, and much more.
They will also take part in interactive activities, including a workshop on breast health run by Treasure Your Chest (TYC) with the help of Portsmouth FC Women player Anisha Hill.
The UK-wide initiative provides teachers with free credible, reliable and evidence-based information, which has been packaged into downloadable online resources. It was developed by researchers at the University of Portsmouth, St Mary's University in Twickenham, London, and the University of Chichester.
We believe that girls deserve to receive comprehensive breast education, beyond the biological aspects of puberty taught in schools.
Professor Joanna Wakefield-Scurr, TYC co-founder and head of the University of Portsmouth's Research Group in Breast Health, said: "We believe that girls deserve to receive comprehensive breast education, beyond the biological aspects of puberty taught in schools.
"Breast development can be a positive milestone in the development of the female body, but it can also be an embarrassing and confusing time. By empowering girls with knowledge and awareness, we believe that girls' body confidence, health and participation in physical activity can be significantly improved."
International Women's Day is a global holiday for the women's rights movement; bringing attention to issues including gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.
The Portsmouth FC event has been organised by Pompey in the Community (PITC), the independent charitable arm of the club which aims to promote education, healthy living, sporting participation and achievement in the city and surrounding areas.
Sammy Quayle from PITC said: "We're really excited to welcome pupils from across the city to our event celebrating all women.
"We hope the students walk away feeling inspired to work towards a career they're truly passionate about, regardless of their gender."
Guest speakers include social media influencer and kickboxer Zaynab, Pompey Women player Taylor Macdonald, Sophie Draper-Cleare from construction firm Soudal UK, female firefighters from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and many more.
PFCW manager Jay Sadler added: "This is a fantastic initiative for young females, from across the city, to celebrate, educate and inspire."
Treasure Your Chest launch
Schools across the UK are being encouraged to sign up to a free initiative which aims to educate young girls on breast health.
Treasure Your Chest is relaunching this October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, following a hugely successful pilot scheme.
The project provides teachers with credible, reliable and evidence-based information, which has been packaged into downloadable online resources. It was developed by researchers at the University of Portsmouth, St Mary's University in Twickenham, London, and the University of Chichester.
