2020
Irina Novac
- Age: 23
- | She/her/hers
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I want to live in a safe world. We all do. But it's become impossible to get there when we only hear the voices of a small, privileged part of the population. We need to clear a path for girls and women in order to live in a better world.
- Irina Novac
Bio
Irina Novac was born and raised in Romania. She is working toward a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of Bucharest. As FLEX Alumni Coordinator at American Councils for International Education, Irina is in charge coordinating a network that consists of 80 young people who participate in an 11-month exchange program in the US, assuring their communication with the Alumni Program and providing them with opportunities that they can access for their personal development and their communities. Additionally, she is a Project Manager at Girl UP! Camp and Project Manager at Radiera Film Festival.
What ignited your pursuit for gender equality?
Gender equality has become a centerpiece in my life since I was 16, when I had the privilege to participate in an American Feminism class during my exchange year in the US, an experience that made me aware of the problems that girls and women in my country are facing. If one semester of learning about feminism could have such impact on a young girl, imagine what difference it could make if more young girls would be able to access this kind of opportunity.
Please share your biggest wins as an advocate for gender equality.
I organized a camp for young Romanian girls from all over Romania where they learned about the feminist movement, gender based violence, and participated in self-defense courses. The most fulfilling part of the camp wasn't the theory that the girls learned, but the safe space that was created within hours after their arrival. Those girls met eight months ago and despite the distance, they are still in contact and provide each other support and constant love.
Outside of your gender equality advocacy work, what do you enjoy doing?
I like listening to music of all kinds when I am studying, working, walking, thinking. I enjoy attending cultural events in Bucharest with my friends and love cooking food for other people.
Languages Spoken:
- English (Advanced/Native)
- French (Intermediate)
- Spanish (Elementary)
- French (Intermediate)
Speaks On:
- gender-responsive curriculum in schools
- the role of young feminists in the feminist movement
- creating safe spaces for girls
Past Awards, Certifications, or Fellowships:
- Girl Panel for With and For Girls (2019)
- Romanian Women of Courage Award (2019)
- Youth Worker at Erasmus+ Mobility PRIDE - Promoting Diversity and Inclusive Youth Work Practices
- FLEX Program alumna
- One of 100 Extraordinary Romanians by DoR Magazine
