Be the change: Girl Power
Our new Year 12 cohort demonstrated their capacity to make a difference when they spoke about some of the social and environmental initiatives they’ve embraced, as well the young women who are inspiring them by driving change around the world.
So many of us have been inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's quote, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world. But it is inspiring to see our students being the change they want to see. From the Knitting Club, to Amnesty Group, to the Environment Group, to different fundraising initiatives for people in need, our new Year 12 cohort are committed to making a difference, as born out by the impassioned speeches some of them made at our Principal’s Assembly on Tuesday.
Our Community and Service Learning Prefects for 2019/2020, Maddie and Grace kicked off with a powerful speech about the importance of the UN International Day of the Girl. “As young women living in a place like Australia, it is often shocking to hear of issues such as child marriage, yet 12 million girls under the age of 18 are married each year. Girls as young as 12 years old are married to men three times their age and giving birth by the age of 15. By celebrating the International Day of the Girl, the UN seeks to protect the rights of girls and stop their exploitation.” Talking about this year’s theme, ‘Girl Force: Unscripted and Unstoppable’, they said, “As young women, it is so important that we band together to set an example of strength and unity to inspire other girls to do the same. Having the opportunity to attend such a wonderful school, it is our responsibility to use our privilege as a vehicle for change.”
Other students stepped up to the stage to celebrate the efforts and voices of young women following their passions to speak out against injustice or drive change. Amelie, Maddie, Cicely and Ellie spoke passionately about girl power in the fight against climate change, explaining why they chose to join the Climate Change Strike recently. They played an excerpt of Greta Thunberg’s impassioned speech on climate change, which is still drawing headlines around the world after she furiously berated world leaders at the UN’s climate summit, chiding them with the repeated phrase, “How dare you.”
Ellie said, “Here in Australia, there are incredible people starting incredible things. For example, School Strike 4 Climate Change is an organisation run by school students, taking action so our politicians take our future seriously and treat climate change for what it is - a crisis! Daisy Jeffery, the 17-year-old Australian girl who started it, could be called Australia’s Greta Thunberg, but in fact she was leading climate strike protests in Australia when Greta was a little-known teen holding up placards outside Stockholm’s Parliament. These two girls are extremely important as they have helped to spread awareness and really make a change.”
Amelie spoke about the effect of carbon emissions and rising global temperatures. In particular, the effect it is having on our farmers and our rural and remote communities. “In order to incite change, everyone on the globe must come together and put aside the things that are trivial to tackle the real problem at hand. A report released by the United Nations revealed in the next 18 months if carbon emissions do not peak and begin to decline, we will be facing an irreversible 1.5 global temperature increase.”
Maddie spoke about a family member who is so passionate about combating climate change, that she was arrested for protesting about her beliefs on London Bridge. “To me, being part of this school strike movement was of great importance, because it’s another way I can do my part in trying to help save this planet. And I would recommend it too. Some methods of getting change would include attending protests, joining important social and environmental groups and, of course, doing your part at home by not using plastic and using renewables only.
Cicely outlined what students were hoping to achieve from the protest, which included a shift from coal production to renewable and green energy, as well as moving away from petrol and diesel cars. “Achieving the carbon goal is a demand for new mines like the Adani mine to be abandoned…so mining for fossil fuels will grind to a halt as we transition to renewable and green energy. And finally, the demand 100% renewable energy by 2030.”
Ellie reminded Senior School students that there are many ways for them to become involved in the climate movement, such as getting involved with the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC), the Student Strike Clean Up Group or the School’s Environment Group. “I have always been very concerned for the future of our planet, especially with the challenges it will, and is already facing as a result of climate change. The recent student strikes have provided our generation with a great way of showing our support for change. Change doesn’t just stop with the climate strikes. There are so many ways to be involved in the movement in a way that interests you.”
Lina chose to speak about a 16-year-old girl from Bosnia and Herzegovina called Lamija Gutic. She is a women’s rights activist, who wants to make a difference in education through technological solutions in a country that does not give champion the role of women in technology or science. “Gutic is hoping to build technological solutions that will contribute to one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on quality education. These technological solutions include applications that will improve the health of their users and help them in their further education. She is also a strong believer of digitalisation of the education system at the state level. Here’s my word of encouragement: Lamija, go take on the world!”
Amnesty Club Captains 2019/2020, Sophie and Maddy highlighted some of the issues surrounding human rights abuses that they are focusing on this year. “At the moment, we are looking into women’s reproductive rights, and seeking to gain a greater understanding about how these issues of choice and health effect every single one of us. Many people have an opinion on this rather controversial issue of abortion, however, we focus more on the facts, looking at the significantly higher infant and maternal mortality rates in areas that don’t prioritise women’s choice. Previously, we have also looked at the issues of youth homelessness and the rights of young people to have shelter and connection with others. We took action and through our Sleepout for Homelessness, supported Taldumande House, a Homeless Youth refuge in North Sydney.”
“Many of us also feel strongly about the refugee crisis and the issue of children and their families being held in indefinite detention. By petitioning and writing letters, we contributed to the action that has helped remove children from these inhumane conditions… Every one of you can do a little something to give a voice to people that don’t have one, and a great way to start is going onto change.org, and looking to put your name on any petitions of issues you believe in.”
Maddie and Grace finished off the Assembly with a reminder about Wenona’s Christmas fundraising initiative, the Christmas Red Stocking Hamper Drive to support individuals, children and families who are doing it tough this Christmas. Donations will go to various not-for-profit organisations, including Naremburn Family Centre, a social care and support agency that assists disadvantaged children and adults, and St Mary’s Women’s Refuge in North Sydney that supports women and their children affected by domestic violence. Students will receive their red and green bags during PC Groups and donations must be returned to the school by Monday 18 November!