Young Women’s Leadership Seminar – NSW Parliament

#IWD2024: Young Women’s Leadership Seminar – NSW Parliament

Last week we had the opportunity to attend this year’s Young Women’s Leadership Seminar held at NSW Parliament on International Women’s Day. It was an amazing experience we shared with 130 students in Parliament and 800 attendees online. Our keynote speaker,  Associate Professor Lisa Williams, a social psychologist from UNSW, discussed the ever-changing role of women in society. Lisa, along with a panel of female Members of Parliament, shared their personal experiences, challenges, and how they overcame them. This was done through a question and answer panel where students had the opportunity to ask questions about these women, their roles in their field, and offered valuable advice for young women approaching male-dominated fields such as STEM and politics. 

During the seminar we had the chance to reconnect with Stephanie Di Pasqua, a College alumna and member for Drummoyne. We asked Stephanie about her inspiration to join Parliament. She shared that her grandmother, a migrant from Italy, served as a powerful inspiration by ensuring she took every opportunity presented to her. It displayed an importance to Stephanie, recognising that her grandmother did not have had the same opportunities. Furthermore, Stephanie spoke about her time at Domremy, highlighting how the foundational values of our Presentation Charism and care for others instilled by our Presentation foundress, Nano Nagle, influenced her. Nano depicted as a guiding light, dedicated her life to helping and supporting people during difficult times. 

Stephanie was kind enough to give us a tour around NSW Parliament House, outlining its rich history and operations of its evolution and since its establishment and the evolution of women in Parliament over the years. 

The seminar was an inspiring and empowering experience to see so many young women following their dreams and standing up for what is right and each other in the very place that influences our lives as Australians.

Mrs Serita Vari, Year 11 Coordinator