Louise Brennan, a student at Our Lady’s School, Terenure, was highly commended in the national ActionAid Speech Writing Competition 2020.
The competition is in its 6th year and invites students from across the country to submit speeches discussing issues around international development, climate change and gender inequality. The competition, which is traditionally held in the Royal Academy in Dublin, was held online this year with over 90 people tuning in from across the world to support the talented young people. Out of 75 entrants from across the country, Louise was one of 10 who were chosen to deliver their speech in front of a panel of well-known expert judges. This years’ judging panel included Saoirse McHugh, climate activist and former Midlands-Northwest Green Party candidate for the European Parliament; Órla Ryan, journalist with the Journal.ie, Dr Ciarán O’Carroll of Extinction Rebellion and Shane Keenan from Irish Aid.
The competition is part of ActionAid’s women’s rights programme, funded by Irish Aid. The programme works to end early girl marriage and FGM, prevent gender-based violence, gain land rights for women and help children receive an education. ActionAid Ireland uses a Behaviour Change approach to this work in Ethiopia, Kenya and Nepal; the approach has helped participating women and girls, men and boys, and traditional and cultural leaders to move away from damaging behaviours. The aim of the Speech Writing competition is to promote engagement and increase awareness of international aid among the Irish public. This year’s competition focused on the topical issue of ‘Women’s Rights in a Changing Climate”. The students discussed how climate change will only be solved through the inclusion and empowerment of women.
All finalists demonstrated a keen interest in women’s rights and an exceptional understanding of the topics however only two could be chosen to scoop the coveted first prize – a visit to ActionAid Sweden, accompanied by their teachers. There they will learn more about ActionAid’s work addressing climate change and inequalities across the globe.
“This is the 6th year of the Speech Writing Competition and we are always humbled by the effort that goes into every entry. This year’s finalists had an excellent knowledge and understanding of the importance of women’s role in addressing climate breakdown. The future is surely bright. Congratulations to all our finalists for getting so far. They are fantastic young people” said Siobhán McGee, Chief Executive of ActionAid Ireland.
Pic Credit: Chris Bellew
