Two Curtin University students who are seeking to improve the health of young Indigenous women and increase civic engagement in remote communities have been awarded prestigious Global Voices scholarships.
Bachelor of Laws and Arts student Imogen Keall, aged 21, will attend the 2020 United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York in March 2020 and Bachelor of Arts and Commerce student Georgia Strong, aged 20, will take part in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank annual meetings in Washington DC in October 2019.
Curtin University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Professor Jill Downie congratulated the Curtin students on being recognised among 14 bright young Australians.
“The Global Voices scholarships provide the nation’s future leaders the opportunity to experience high-level international delegations, ensuring the voice of young Australians is represented on the world stage,” Professor Downie said.
“As well as developing valuable skills and experience in foreign policy, Imogen and Georgia will join a network of more than 250 Global Voices alumni who have participated in more than 60 international summits since 2011.”
Ms Keall said she felt honoured to be given the opportunity to work closely with incredible young female leaders from across the globe.
“By participating in the program, I hope to expand the body of research on reproductive health in remote Australia for young Indigenous women and the impact this has on their access to education,” Ms Keall said.
“In doing this, I want to bring the disparity Indigenous women experience to the forefront of the national dialogue on gender equality and ensure it is a priority for governments across Australia.”
Ms Strong said she was excited to witness and participate in the IMF and World Bank annual meetings.
“To study the United Nations up close is a unique opportunity to personally experience the practical application of knowledge and soft skills the IMF and the World Bank utilises in the international system to promote and deliver improvements in the health and wellbeing of the communities it operates within,” Ms Strong said.
“My ultimate goal is to develop an idea which can be adopted by the Australian Federal Government and inspire similar systems internationally to increase civic engagement in communities. Having grown up in a remote community myself, I understand how disconnected and disempowered people feel when opportunities regarding education and civic engagement, among others, are limited.”
Global Voices is a not-for profit organisation that is committed to nurturing the next generation of Australian leaders by providing practical experience in foreign policy and international relations.
For more information about the Global Voices scholarships, visit here.
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