Inspiring Tomorrow: The MDX Girl Up Club's Journey of Empowerment

Embarking on a journey of empowerment, Middlesex University Dubai’s Girl Up Club stands as a beacon of change. The club delves into the realms of education, leadership, and advocacy, and all members have a passion for fostering a community of strong, driven individuals. What makes the Girl Up Club truly special are their impactful initiatives, inspiring stories, and collective efforts, creating a ripple effect of positive change that reverberates far beyond the boundaries of our community. So, what is Girl Up Club, where did the idea originate, and why is important that the initiative is represented at Middlesex University Dubai?

A glimpse into the Girl Up concept

MDX Girl Up Club is a part of the global Girl Up campaign, a United Nations Foundation (UNF) initiative. The initiative was developed in 2010 as the first-of-its-kind movement dedicated to supporting female education, health, and safety. In the decade since, they have grown across the world, engaging, training, and supporting girls and young people of all identities in their search for equality and opportunity to be leaders. The initiative particularly focuses on equity for girls and women in areas of life where they may be underrepresented. Their network of registered clubs is primarily run by young people aged 13-24.

Girl Up Club comes to Middlesex University Dubai

MDX’s own Girl Up Club was established at the beginning of the academic year 2023-2024 and is led by current students Alicia Kunte and Fiyana Guzder. The club has eight committee members across different courses and 123 members strong. They believe that it is imperative to address issues like gender discrimination, disparity, equality, and equity amongst the student community, irrespective of gender, to bring about positive change and development through fun and interactive activities and workshops. They focus on taking the necessary steps, as a representation of the future generation, to make the world a better place to live equally for everyone.

What is it like to be a member of the MDX Girl Up Club?

The Girl Up Club at MDX is dedicated to building a stronger student community, displaying talents, motivation, and empowerment. It is the first and the only Girl Up Club in the region, hosting networking sessions with professionals from various fields. They conduct activities to keep the members motivated and to step out of their comfort zones, providing a safe space for open discussions on stigmatised topics. Alicia Kunte, the president of the MDX Girl Up Club recently participated in a TED Talk at the inaugural Girl Up MENA Regional Summit in Dubai on 3 March 2024, highlighting their commitment to empowering young women and advocating for change on a global scale.

Special Highlights: International Women's Day 2024

During International Women's Day week in 2024, the Girl Up Club orchestrated a series of engaging activities aimed at fostering empowerment and appreciation among students. From an Empowerment Stall providing liberating release for hurtful words, to a captivating video project collecting voices of support for gender equality, the club's initiatives resonated strongly with the students, reflecting a collective commitment to empowerment and inclusivity.

Current challenges and solutions to overcoming them.

The Girl Up Club faces challenges in encouraging participation from male students and the wider student body due to prevalent misconceptions about feminism and equality. Many of them feel hesitant to engage with feminist or equality-focused initiatives due to the negative stereotypes associated with these concepts. To overcome these barriers, they emphasise that the club is open to everyone, regardless of gender, and actively encourages male students to join: advocacy for gender equality benefits everyone. They believe the male involvement in the club will not only create a more inclusive environment but also empower them to take a stand against discrimination and gender-based inequalities.

A message to the community

Despite facing challenges in fostering involvement due to societal misconceptions surrounding feminism and equality, they remain steadfast in their commitment to creating a supportive and welcoming environment for all.    
In the words of President of the Girl Up Club, Alicia Kunte, “Regardless of gender, background, or beliefs, everyone has a valuable role to play in our pursuit of gender equality and social justice. By coming together and actively participating in our initiatives, we can challenge stereotypes, advocate for change, and empower each other to make a meaningful impact on our campus and beyond. Together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive world where everyone's voice is heard and valued.”