2020
Hereiti File
- Age: 20
- | She/her/hers
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Every choice made to decide the future of our world is currently being made by a generation who aren't going to be here to see themselves. We, the youth of today, need to have a voice so we can change our societies and create a world where everyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from, can have the best life possible. We must educate ourselves and create change, so that our children can live in a world like this.
- Hereiti File
Bio
Hereiti File is a nineteen-year-old advocate from the Cook Islands. Brought up on the island of Rarotonga, Hereiti has been a Youth Peer Member of CIFWA since age thirteen. She has experience in environmental activism, youth empowerment, and is passionate about the preservation of indigenous culture and protection of indigenous rights. She believes that one of the most important resources we have is our ocean, and we should treat it with the respect it deserves. Her advocacy work has mainly centered around activism in the Pacific region. Hereiti is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Arts in cultural anthropology and psychology.
What ignited your pursuit for gender equality?
I grew up surrounded by strong women within my family who worked hard and set the example for me. If you want to get where you want to be, you will always have to break down barriers to do so.
Please share your biggest wins as an advocate for gender equality.
My biggest win as an advocate for gender equality has been a personal one; being the first woman in my family to go to university.
Outside of your gender equality advocacy work, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy reading, learning as much as I can about different cultures and languages, and swimming.
Languages Spoken:
- English (Advanced/Native)
- Cook Island Maori (Advanced)
Publications:
Speaks On:
- preservation of indigenous culture
- importance of equal representation in parliament
- youth mental health
Past Awards, Certifications, or Fellowships:
- Youth Peer Education by CIFWA
