Laura Bates is a published author and frequent media commentator and consultant for TV productions and newspapers tackling issues about gender equality.

She also works closely with government, schools, businesses, police forces, and bodies from the United Nations to the Council of Europe on sexism and inequality.

The conference, hosted by the council’s Education Resources and supported by the Health and Social Care University Partnership, brought together young people, community organisations, schools and teaching staff, and was held just before the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence.

The 16 Days of Activism is led by UN Women, the UN organization delivering programmes, policies and standards that uphold women’s human rights and ensure that every woman and girl lives up to her full potential. This year the focus is on digital violence.

Laura said: “We talked about the ways in which young people's lives are impacted by sexism and sexual violence and what all of us who work with young people can do to support them, to help them, to educate, to give them the kinds of tools that they need to cope with both the digital and the real world landscape that they encounter.

“I was absolutely overwhelmed by how incredible the young people are who were there, particularly those who have been through the mentors in violence prevention programme in their schools.

“They are such incredible examples of a generation of young people who are coming together to stand up to this issue, and they give me immense hope for the future.”

Executive Director of Education Resources, Lyndsay McRoberts, said: “I would like to thank Laura for taking the time to come along and share her knowledge with us all.

“Her thought-provoking presentation resonated with everyone in the room, particularly the young people in attendance.”