TfL launches children’s writing competition celebrating women in transport

Children have been asked to draw or write a story focusing on women in transport. Pic: Transport for London

 

TfL has launched a children’s writing and drawing competition based on the theme of women keeping London moving.  

The competition has been created in response to Sadiq Kahn’s #behindeverygreatcity campaign, inspired by the 100-year anniversary of women gaining the vote, and aims to promote equality and opportunity especially in the work place. 

Children aged five to seven are encouraged to draw an image depicting what the theme means to them, whereas the older children (seven to eleven and eleven to fourteen) are asked to write either a 100-200 or 300-word story on the same subject.  

Three times more women than men say that their gender hinders their progression at work while four times more men agree that it plays to their advantage.  

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Kahn said: “Over the next year, and beyond, we will highlight how women of all ages, ethnicities, faiths and backgrounds make London the great city it is. 

“More importantly, we will redouble our efforts in the fight for gender equality. During this momentous year and beyond, we must do all we can to remove any barriers to women’s success and to unlock their full potential.” 

Caroline Pidgeon MBE and chair of the London Assembly’s transport committee told Womanthology blog: “In the last few years women have been at the forefront of holding to account those who run Transport for London (TfL) and other aspects of our transport network in the capital…” 

Pic: Transport for London

The competition will be judged by a host of inspiring female writers including Lauren Child, famous for her Charlie and Lola series, How To Train Your Dragon author Cressida Cowell and the author of Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World, Kate Pankhurst.  

The competition is also in collaboration with the book printer Clays.  

Child, who is also a judge, said: “As well as encouraging children to draw and write, competitions like this are a great opportunity to break down stereotypes. It is important for all children to see themselves reflected in stories and books and to have heroes they can relate to. 

“Celebrating brave, accomplished women who get things done is a step away from an outdated notion of girls just being the side-kick.” 

The completion deadline is Sunday May 20, and the winners will be announced on the week commencing June 4.  

Read more about the competition on TfL’s website 

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