Response to Daily Mail cover

Following the front cover of the Daily Mail today featuring a meeting between Theresa May and Nicola Sturgeon, Sarah West, Head of Communications at Plan International UK, said:

"It is hugely disappointing to see this type of coverage in the Daily Mail, following a meeting of huge significance between our Prime Minister and Scotland’s First Minister.

"Yet again, the focus has not been on the matter in hand – discussing the future of the UK – but instead on the attire, and physical attributes of two of the most prominent politicians in Britain.

"Stereotypes and expectations around the appearance of girls and women, including women in leadership roles, can be harmful.  In fact, this type of everyday sexism is something girls are telling us they experience time and again. Our recent research showed us that every day they are dealing with harassment, verbal abuse and sexualisation.  

"It is important more young women aspire to reach, and enter, leadership roles without the threat of being objectified in this way."