Australia’s youngest CEO and social media entrepreneur, Ali Kitinas, was one of the young women that ‘took over’ the office of Federal Parliament last Wednesday to discuss with Ministers and members of parliament, areas of potential reform for female initiatives in Australia.
The 17-year-old discussed issues about gender-based violence and institutional responses to this issue, innovative education, modern day slavery, entrepreneurship and young women’s rights.
“I am so humbled and excited to be part of such an incredible project,” said Ms Kitinas in an interview with Neos Kosmos.
Girls Takeover Parliament is an international bipartisan program that pairs young women and girls with politicians to ensure their points of view are heard.
This year, 29 girls and young women aged 11-25 from across Australia “hijacked” the seats of 29 Federal politicians, including those of the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Tanya Plibersek, Senator and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop, calling for all states and territories to promote positive conversations around respectful relationships in schools and communities, and to criminalise image-based bullying.
“Girls Take Over Parliament is giving young girls like myself the chance to not only have our voices heard in our most important and influential institution, but also to create real tangible change and work alongside key political figures and thought leaders to build relationships for ongoing impacts,” said Ms Kitinas. The young enterpreneur believes that, through this initiative, young girls all across Australia will feel empowered to consider taking on roles within the public sphere and within Parliament.
“Our voice does in fact matter, despite our age, gender or culture, or any other characteristic that may hold us back, all we have to do is use it,” she said. Ali Kitinas worked closely with Member of the Australian House of Representatives, Maria Vamvakinou.
“In a time where we need more women in politics, this youth-led program is inspiring leaders and girls to represent and stand up for gender equality,” said Ms. Vamvakinou.
The Greek Australian teenager whose family originates from the islands of Lemnos and Kastelorizo, has already founded three businesses, the first of which she started at the age of 11.
An avid speaker and humanitarian, in 2017 Ms Kitinas was named Australia’s Youngest CEO and is already an international best-selling co-author for Better Business, Better Life, Better World: The Movement, in which, together with 60 global entrepreneurs, they suggest different ways young people can make the world a better place.
“I want to be the voice for all young people of the world who cannot speak for themselves,” concluded Ms. Kitinas.
