Aleena Shaji
Hello! My name is Aleena Shaji (she/her) and I am running for both Guild Council and Representation Board member! I am a first year student, doing a double degree in Bachelor of Commerce and Arts.
During Semester 1 I gained great experience through my role as a First Year Representative with the Guild. I also was elected to my high school’s student council, and I have taken part in discussion to create a mental health space out area, surrounded by nature, where students could go to take a time out when they’re feeling stressed and pressured. I have partaken and volunteered my time for fundraisers for charities such as Beyond Blue and Headspace. I also partook in the creation of club open day through which students could be given a chance to discover all the different clubs in our high school. I also stood by my fellow councillors through the creation of ‘Rainbow club’, a club made as a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ youth in our high school and supported them through the many obstacles we faced to create the club.
As a person, I’m extremely passionate about women’s rights and LGBTQIA+ rights. I believe in promoting equality and respect for everyone’s right to live the life they want, as long as they're not perpetuating or endorsing harm on others. So many things in our society are mechanisms for control disguised as political opinions, and it’s not a healthy way for people to live. If elected, I will strive to advocate for and make changes to progress the rights of women, LGBTQIA+ people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities and other marginalised communities, both on-campus and in Australia.
If elected, I will strive to fight for more gender-neutral bathrooms, eliminate deadnaming on student-facing systems and normalise introducing oneself with pronouns, as well as other initiatives to support student’s welfare. Thanks for reading!
Vote [1] Aleena Shaji for Guild Councillor!
Vote [1] Aleena Shaji for Ordinary Representation Board Member!
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