BLOG: IWD 2025 - Maia
Maia Jarvis is a member of Groundwork’s Youth Advisory Board and also sits on the Groundwork UK Committee. Maia undertakes these roles due to her passion for youth governance and youth voice, following on from her time as the President of Royal Holloway Students Union.
Since being young, Maia has felt strongly about making a difference through campaigning and advocacy.
Maia said: “Misogyny and gender inequality can feel invisible, especially in workplaces where direct gender discrimination is now less common.
“There can be some pressure to change your behaviour at work, especially as a young woman. For example, I am a bubbly, high energy person, yet sometimes I find myself lowering my voice in professional settings to be taken more seriously!
“That’s why I’m inspired by women in leadership roles who feel that they can take up space, be themselves, and show their emotions. This signals to people, particularly young women, that it is ok to be vulnerable and authentically you. Rather than showing your emotions being a sign of weakness, it should be seen as something powerful and liberating.
“I am proud that I have played a part in inspiring young women through my work at Groundwork. After I hosted a Youth Leadership event and spoke on a panel held by Groundwork London, some of the attendees told me that they were shocked to see a young person leading an event and they felt more confident just from seeing me perform that role.
This experience really highlighted to me how important role models are. It is essential that young people, including young women see themselves reflected in leadership roles.
“That is why my advice to any young woman would be to find people who will champion and support you to go for opportunities when the imposter syndrome tells you that you can’t!
“It is vital that we do not forget women and girls around the world who will be more impacted by climate change than men and boys. International Women’s Day reminds us that achieving gender equality must be at the heart of climate resilience and building capability across communities.”