A HANDFORTH teenager is speaking out on in issues affecting young women for a national panel.

Rebecca McCann, 17, is one of 18 girls and young women aged 14-25 to be part of Girlguding’s Advocate panel in London.

The group will meet regularly throughout the year to discuss issues such as body confidence, representation of women in the media, better sex education and role models.

“I’m passionate about girls’ rights and gender equality, and wanted to join a group that would enable me to work towards this,” Rebecca said.

“I’m proud to be part of an organisation that gives young girls a safe space to develop and have fun, and wanted to take this opportunity to represent Girlguiding nationally.”

Rebecca went to her first meeting on Saturday, September 17, with the group recently campaigning to tackle sexual harassment in schools.

Girlguiding research has found that 59 per cent of girls have experienced sexual harassment at school, and 75 per cent say anxiety about experiencing sexual harassment has a negative impact on their lives.