What about Women? An Interview with Andy Burnham
This article was written by one of our Young Reporters, a scheme that gives 14 to 18-year-old school students a chance to write for a real newspaper. Find out more at the Young Reporter website.
On Tuesday 2nd June, I was given the opportunity to interview Andy Burnham; the Mayor of Greater Manchester and the Labour candidate in the upcoming Makerfield by-election.
With all that is going on in preparation for the by-election, I jumped at the chance to speak with the formidable candidate Andy Burnham.
From the moment he entered, he remained respectful, well-mannered and very approachable.
Burnham answered all questions with full detail, at a level easy to understand and, with a tone that kept you fixed on him.
He withstood the grilling from the St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School’s young reporters and was a pleasure to speak to.
All students present were given the opportunity to ask Burnham at least one question.
Due to there currently being statements from certain parties that make women concerned for their futures, my question to Andy Burnham was this:
“Given the misogynistic comments from other parties, how will you ensure young women are treated equally in the workplace and what opportunities will be given to help women in more male dominated fields?”
Burnham responded by saying, “We shouldn't have misogynistic comments coming from any public representative. And we've got to live in a world where, you know, we're talking about full equality and, and that means that in the workplace, in terms of what people paid, you know, their rights, but also where there is anything that's sexist or misogynist, the firmest possible action is taken, is taken against it.
We can't be going backwards as a as a society.”
He then went on to talk about his honourable campaign #IsThisOk?.
The forward-thinking campaign is aimed at men and boys to address the disgusting behaviour women and girls are forced to face every day.
Also, the outstanding campaign raises awareness of coercive and controlling behaviour and encourages people to speak up if they witness these vile behaviours.
“We need to make sure that we don't have a society where everyday harassment, intimidation, abuse is in any way acceptable.” declared Burnham.
He then went on to say, “This campaign I brought forward was aimed at men, lads and boys and was squarely challenging their behaviour. And you know, for me, that's kind of where it should be. And anything that takes us back from that is, is a backward step.”
I could not agree with Andy Burnham anymore.
To protect our women, we must first educate our men.
