GIRLS from a Keighley school took part in the Women of the World (WOW) Festival, designed to help inspire them to overcome hurdles in their lives.

A group of 24 year 10 girls from University Academy Keighley (UAK) were taken to Kala Sangam art centre, in Bradford, on November 17.

A spokesman for UAK said: "Our girls met with BBC Radio One presenter, DJ Gemma Cairney.

"She talked about her views on feminism, confidence, body image, the highs and lows of the online world and her thoughts about her book – Open: A Toolkit for How Magic and Messed Up Life Can Be.

"The girls took pictures with Gemma and had a question and answer session with her. Gemma also signed a book for us.

"Our students looked at different stereotypes in society and learned that women are not just housewives, they play an important part in the future.

"The girls learned that women should be treated the same way as men, that both genders are equal and that no gender is superior.

"They finally learned a rap to encourage them, called 'Who runs the world? Girls!'"

Family and community worker, Nadia Majid, said: “This was a great opportunity for our girls to recognise their capabilities and to encourage them to see that they can overcome any barriers and obstacles in their lives.”