Children’s Week Parliament

On the 22nd of October, I was honoured with the experience of speaking at NSW Parliament House as part of Children’s Week Parliament. Beforehand, we were given one of six broad topics, Connect, Opportunity, Respect, Safe, Voice, Wellbeing, as the basis of a quick one-minute speech. I was allocated Wellbeing and chose to use this opportunity to talk about gender equality. The day saw a representative of each electorate in NSW, 93 students from 7-10, talk about issues that they were passionate about, and help influence policy for young people, with people from country NSW catching a plane to Sydney. The day also included a Q&A session with politicians, tours of the upper and lower houses, as well as fancy parliament food for recess and lunch. The day concluded with each group saying their speeches in the Lower House. Topics included domestic violence, LGBTIQ rights, Indigenous rights, climate change, sports, mental health, social media, technology, housing market, scouts, inclusion, and education.

This is the speech I gave in Parliament House.

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“Boys will be boys”

A well-rehearsed saying used to reinforce gender stereotypes, leading to the dismissal and oversimplification of sexist and demeaning behaviour. Allowing and tolerating sexist remarks, unwanted advances, disregard for consent, physical and psychological abuse, normalises these odious actions.

Films like the Ghost Busters and Oceans 8 all-female reboots, Wonder Woman, Hidden Figures, and Tomb Raider empower women. Yet, Australian women still have to work an extra 56 days a year in order to earn the same pay as men.

“Smile more” “Man up” “Boys don’t cry” “You throw like a girl”

“Toxic masculinity” perpetuates the view that men must exert their dominance, be tough, and bottle up their emotions. We must educate men – being respectful is not incompatible with being a man. It is crucial for the wellbeing of both men and women that we reimagine masculinity.

Gender equality. Empowerment of women. Education of men.

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It was a great opportunity for children all around NSW to voice their opinions and bring light to topics that are important. Each speech conveyed a strong, emotive message, in a bid for our politicians to listen to the youth of Australia. This day was an amazing experience, and I would like to thank the school for nominating me, as it was a great honour to represent Fort Street at NSW Parliament House.

Aidan Limnios, Year 10