Two 12-year-old girls from Fermanagh, Astrid Knox and Rhea Donnell, visited Stormont on March 4 with Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People Chris Quinn. They presented to the Northern Ireland Assembly's Committee for Education a proposal requiring all schools to allow girls to wear trousers as part of uniforms.

The girls first campaigned in early 2025 during their P7 year at Enniskillen Integrated Primary School. Their efforts led the school to change rules permitting girls to wear trousers.

In June 2025, Astrid Knox and Rhea Donnell addressed the Education Committee directly. Their input contributed to the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Act (Northern Ireland) 2026, which received Royal Assent in February 2026.

Quinn stated the 2026 Act lacks a legal requirement for girls to wear trousers, leaving decisions to individual schools. He argued this creates barriers to comfort and participation for some pupils.

Quinn added uniform policies must support wellbeing and align with UNCRC standards on children's dignity and equal treatment.

The Committee praised the girls' presentation. Quinn expressed pride in their campaign for fairness and choice.