A Co Armagh councillor is urging the public to have their say when it comes to making decisions for equality for girls in school, saying “we need to hear your views”.
Highlighting the issue of girls largely being forced to wear skirts in schools across Northern Ireland, Sinn Féin Councillor for Cusher, Bróna Haughey said: “It’s 2026 and some girls are still being denied the choice to wear trousers to school.”
Debate around gender neutral dress codes – including trousers for girls – has entered the conversation at Stormont in recent years, with wider discussions encompassing inclusivity, costs, safety and outdated traditional dress codes.
However, an amendment guaranteeing that right was rejected by the Assembly Speaker, Edwin Poots back in September 2025 meaning the Bill, as it stands, does not legislate mandatory trousers for girls.
Schools in Northern Ireland can determine whether they would individually permit the wearing of trousers for girls, but this is at the school’s discretion and the law does not require that it be considered.
In October 2025, Education Minister Paul Givan passed the School Uniforms Bill, aiming to make school uniforms more affordable and to provide statutory guidelines to schools regarding the affordability of uniform.
Defending the Bill, Paul Givan said the legislation will deliver “real, tangible support for families struggling with the cost of school uniforms”, but did not commit to including a statutory right for girls to wear trousers.
As such, Cllr Haughey believes the DUP and Minister Givan have “failed to act” when it comes to ensuring “fairness for our young people”.
She added: “Despite having years to address this, they have not only chosen not to, but have actively blocked us from doing so.
“That is why Sinn Féin is working with others on the Education Committee to fix this.
“If you believe girls deserve the choice and equality, I encourage you to take part in the consultation and make your voice heard.”
The Committee for Education brought forward a proposal for a law to allow all pupils to wear trousers at school, so that this becomes a universal right in December.
Explaining the need for the proposal the Committee said it has heard a “very strong appeal for this change” and considers this an “important issue which has a very significant impact on daily life in school”.
Written submissions are now being accepted as part of a public consultation to help the Committee formulate a report to challenge existing legislation.
Submissions can be made here.
