bbc.com
Liverpool Student's Social Enterprise Wins Woman of the Year Award
Stephanie Barney, a 23-year-old, won Merseyside's Woman of the Year 2025 for founding Girls On The Go, a social enterprise combating female loneliness in the UK, raising £65,000 for charities and having 200,000 online members.
- What is the primary impact of Stephanie Barney's Girls On The Go initiative, and what does its success signify about the UK's social landscape?
- Stephanie Barney, a 23-year-old University of Liverpool student, won Merseyside's Woman of the Year award for 2025 for founding Girls On The Go, a social enterprise combating loneliness among women. Girls On The Go, operating in Liverpool, Manchester, and Birmingham, boasts 200,000 online members and has raised £65,000 for women's charities.
- What are the potential future implications of Girls On The Go's model for addressing loneliness and social isolation among women in the UK and beyond?
- Girls On The Go's expansion plans across major UK cities indicate a substantial social impact potential. Barney's model, successfully blending social activism and business leadership, offers a replicable framework for tackling widespread loneliness. The award's recognition signals increased societal attention to women's well-being and community-driven solutions.
- How did Stephanie Barney's personal experiences influence the creation and growth of Girls On The Go, and what are the key elements of its social impact strategy?
- Barney's initiative addresses the significant issue of female loneliness, particularly pertinent in the UK's social landscape. Motivated by her personal experience with assault and isolation after moving to Liverpool, she created a platform offering diverse social events for women to connect. The enterprise's rapid growth and financial success highlight the demand for such services and demonstrate the effectiveness of community-based solutions.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing centers on Stephanie Barney's personal narrative, highlighting her journey from a victim of sexual assault to a successful entrepreneur and award winner. This narrative emphasizes individual resilience and the positive impact of her organization while potentially downplaying the systemic issues that contribute to loneliness and isolation among women. The headline and introduction immediately emphasize Ms. Barney's personal story and award, framing the article around her individual achievement.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and objective. However, descriptions like "life-changing sexual assault" and "incredible women" contain implicit value judgments that subtly shape reader perception. More neutral alternatives could be 'sexual assault' and 'women with noteworthy achievements'.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Stephanie Barney's personal experience and the success of Girls On The Go, but omits discussion of other organizations addressing loneliness or isolation among women. While the article mentions the award celebrates achievements of women across the region, it doesn't provide examples of other nominees or winners, limiting the reader's understanding of the breadth of women's contributions in Merseyside. The specific challenges faced by women in accessing support systems and resources are also not explored.
Sustainable Development Goals
The initiative directly addresses gender inequality by creating a supportive community for women, combating loneliness and isolation, and raising funds for women's charities. The founder's personal experience with sexual assault highlights the need for such support networks and the positive impact on women's well-being and empowerment. The organization's expansion demonstrates its effectiveness and potential to reach more women across the UK.