SWINDON'S young sisters have been doing it for themselves.

There were no guys allowed at a special day of activities held at the Park Youth and Sports Centre on Saturday.

The event was designed to raise awareness about International Women's Day held last Wednesday.

The teenagers enjoyed an afternoon of activities from the cool moves of street dancing to getting to grips with being a DJ.

They also had a try at self-defence.

Lindsay Poole, a youth development worker with Swindon Council, said: "I thought it was a good idea to open up the youth centre and give girls the chance to have a go at some activities that are often more male-dominated as part of the World Women's Day.

"In this country we don't really see the day as a big thing, but there are still issues that the young women in the town need to be aware of and with days like this we can do that."

Eleven-year-old Shaunie Winslow was one of those taking part.

"It's great to be able to come down here and find out about new skills and to have a go at new things," she said.

"I really enjoyed myself."

Twelve-year-old Abbie Gleaves said: "There are far too many days for the boys. It's time for us girls to be able to have a go at things."

Although only a few teenagers went along to the activity day, Ms Poole is confident it will be more successful in the future and plans to promote it around local schools.

There are also plans for a girl's only night at the centre.

International Women's Day is an occasion marked by women's groups around the world.

The date is also commemorated at the United Nations and is designated in many countries as a national holiday.

This year's day was aimed at raising the awareness about ending impunity for violence against women and girls.