An Ashtonfield teenager has inched closer to her dream of speaking to the United Nations with an appearance in NSW Junior Parliament.
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Kupakwashe Matangira traveled to Macquarie Street for the week-long program during the recent school holidays.
While at the UN Youth Australia Voice competition earlier this year, Kupakwashe heard friends talking about junior parliament.
She did some research and decided to apply for the program.
Junior Parliament is an apolitical camp for students in years seven to nine to learn the processes of NSW law and parliament.
Participants research a problem NSW is facing, and debate solutions in front of real politicians in parliament.
The 15-year-old attended five days of the seven day conference, but was still very involved in her women’s affairs committee.
The junior MP’s came up with several recommendations for improving women’s rights, particularly in the area of domestic violence.
They spoke about more education of future generations about what assault and violence is.
Each and everyone of us is equal and there’s no reason why certain members of society should be treated differently.
- Kupakwashe Matangira
Another solution was to change domestic violence court trials so the perpetrator was not present and the results were not released to the media.
Social media formed another part of their campaign, with a message against degrading women online.
The Hunter Christian School student said she always had an interest in women’s affairs but learned a lot during the week.
She said it has given her more motivation to stand up against inequality and injustice.
“Each and everyone of us is equal and there’s no reason why certain members of society should be treated differently,” she said.
“You shouldn’t have to suffer injustices. Everyone should be treated with respect.
“Now I know the facts and understand what they mean, it has encouraged me to go more in depth and find ways I can help.
“It just gives you another view of life and helps you see society in a different way.”
Kupakwashe hopes to turn her passion into her career by working in the human rights industry.
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