Mini Hub Spotlight: Cambridge Girls Human Rights Hub
The GHRH Cambridge Mini Hub was founded in 2024. It has 5 Committee Members (Chloe Lam, Syeda Ali, Sha Rashid, Sarah Misraoui, and Clara Akingbade), with our wider network growing and expanding with each event. If you want to contact us, please email Chloe (852chloe@gmail.com) or write to us on instagram (@ghrh_cambridge).
Events hosted this year
International Day of the Girl Child Panel — 11th October, 2024
Online Fireside Chat with Lesley Abdela MBE — 11th November, 2024
Open Mic — 26th February, 2025
Domestic Abuse through the Lens of Family and Criminal Law Panel — 5th March, 2025
International Day of the Girl Child Panel
Date: 11th October, 2024
Description: To celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11th, the Cambridge Girls Human Rights Hub Ambassadors hosted their first event of the year—a powerful panel discussion featuring guest speakers Laila Alodaat, Celestine Greenwood, and Shamsa Araweelo. The conversation explored the current state of girls’ human rights, with speakers sharing personal experiences and insights from their work in Iraq, Tajikistan, and online activism.
Topics included femicide and militarised security, child protection systems, social media advocacy, and the criminalisation of victims’ experiences. The audience engaged with thoughtful questions on reproductive rights, media representation, and legal reform. Despite the heavy topics, the speakers brought energy, hope, and a call to action—highlighting the importance of community, education, and inclusive activism.
The event was met with positive feedback and left attendees feeling inspired, empowered, and more connected to the ongoing fight for girls’ rights.
Online Fireside Chat with Lesley Abdela MBE
The talk was recorded and can be accessed here: Fireside Chat with Lesley Abdela MBE
Date: 11th November, 2024
Description: The Cambridge Girls Human Rights Hub hosted an exclusive online Q&A with Lesley Abdela MBE, a trailblazing advocate for women’s rights, gender equality, and political participation. With over four decades of experience advising governments and global organisations such as the UN, OSCE, and the European Commission, Lesley brought a wealth of knowledge and insight to the conversation.
As the UK Woman of Europe and Cosmopolitan Magazine’s first Political Editor, Lesley has championed the advancement of women in politics across 50 countries. She is the co-founder of The 300 Group—a cross-party campaign to increase women’s representation in political roles—and currently serves as a Senior Member of the Sida Gender Help-Desk and a Founding Partner of Shevolution Consultancy.
During the session, Lesley reflected on her journey, shared valuable lessons from her global advocacy work, and offered practical advice on how young people can help push for gender equality in political and public life. The event provided an inspiring opportunity to engage with one of the most influential voices in the women’s rights movement.
Open Mic
Date: 26th February, 2025
Description: To mark February as Girls' Human Rights Month, the Cambridge Girls Human Rights Hub hosted a special Open Mic Night celebrating self-expression, empowerment, and advocacy. The event aimed to inspire young advocates and encourage students to join the movement for gender equality and the eradication of gender-based violence.
The evening featured powerful performances from singers, poets, and speakers, including a moving talk by Rehema Muthamia—award-winning advocate, speaker, consultant, and former Miss England. Drawing from her personal journey of resilience, Rehema shared a message of strength, self-worth, and the importance of using one’s voice to create meaningful change.
This open mic provided a safe, inclusive, and supportive space for participants to reflect on gender justice, share their stories, and stand in solidarity with one another. It was a night of connection, courage, and community—reminding us all of the power of speaking up and standing together in the fight for girls’ rights.
Domestic Abuse Panel
Date: 5th March, 2025
Description:
This insightful event brought together leading voices in Criminal and Family Law to explore the complex and often overlapping legal responses to domestic abuse. Featuring an expert panel of barristers, solicitors, and academics—Dr Sarah Singh, Stacy Nevin, Louise MacLynn KC, and Jessica Slaughter—the evening examined how both legal systems approach domestic abuse, the challenges faced by survivors navigating these processes, and the need for more integrated, trauma-informed practices.
The discussion touched on key issues such as evidentiary gaps, safeguarding, the impact of legal frameworks on survivor outcomes, and the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration. Following the panel, attendees participated in a lively Q&A session, raising thoughtful questions around access to justice, policy reform, and the role of legal professionals in supporting vulnerable individuals.
The event closed with an informal networking session over food and drinks, giving students and professionals the chance to connect directly with the panellists, ask follow-up questions, and continue the conversation in a more relaxed setting. It was a thought-provoking and empowering evening that highlighted the importance of legal advocacy in addressing gender-based violence.
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The Cambridge Mini Hub’s achievements this year—from illuminating panel discussions to the vibrant Open Mic Night—stand as a testament to the power of youth-led activism. Chloe, Syeda, Sha, Sarah, and Clara have not only fostered vital conversations on girls’ rights but have also built a supportive community where every voice is valued. Their dedication and creativity have inspired fellow students, legal professionals, and activists alike to join the movement for gender justice.
If you’re passionate about advancing girls’ human rights in your own corner of the world, we want to hear from you! Starting a GHRH Mini Hub is your chance to lead events, engage your community, and collaborate with a global network of changemakers. Email us at minihubs@ghrh.org to learn how you can launch your own Mini Hub here and make a lasting impact.