A pupil won a citywide public speaking competition with a speech criticising the media’s portrayal of women.
Fourteen-year-old Dinah Milton, a student at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby, expressed a clear interest on the subject of the male gaze after studying women’s rights in Personal Development and Religious Studies.
The male gaze refers to the way women are depicted in visual media and literature, and the way they are often objectified rather than viewed for their personality.
Dinah won Derby Schools Speaking Competition, which is open to secondary schools across the city. Her speech was inspired by a video on social media.
She said: “It was a subject that I really enjoyed, and I really wanted to hear more about it, I just didn’t know enough.”
The teenager is a high achiever, handing credit to her family for encouraging her to be the best that she can be.
“I wasn’t sure whether to do it or not, I knew it would be an experience. In the end I just went for it. When they said my name, I looked over to my mum and she was so happy! I didn’t even know what to say, I was so shocked.”
Dinah is a talented young speaker and has potential plans to go into international relations.
Head of Year 11, Daniel Thornhill, said: “The calibre of this year’s entrants was superb. The variety of topics and the maturity of the delivery clearly displayed that here at Saint Benedict CVA the students are switched on to the world around them and wish to shape the future in a positive way. It also shows the excellent work of the English Department as the speeches were superbly crafted.
“I was lucky enough to hear all of the speeches and as such I laughed, cried, felt guilt, was embarrassed and inspired. Above all, it was a humbling experience – and I did not envy the judges’ job! Dinah was such a worthy winner, excellent, creative and confident – all in her PE kit too! A clear sign of her adaptability and poise.”
