Coleraine student Aoife wins Rotary Youth Leadership competition

The competition, which Rotary Ireland has been running for over 30 years, rewards young people with clear leadership potential based on their extra-curricular activities.

Run in conjunction with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin, the winners enjoy an all-expenses paid week-long trip to Belfast, Dublin and Strasbourg.

Aoife Dempsey, who is a Year 13 student at Loreto College Coleraine, received her certificate from edRotary Ireland District Governor, Michael Fleming, and Fearghas Ó Béara, Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland.

As a member of the Ulster Camogie Youth Council, Aoife works to promote visibility and equality in Gaelic games and to ensure all young girls who play are provided with the same opportunities as their male counterparts.

She is also an active member of her community in Glenullin, for example, helping to deliver meals to senior citizens from time to time and being a staff member of the community owned shop.

Having started playing camogie at age four, she has fallen in love with the sport and plays for Glenullin and on her school’s senior team. She is also involved in the SistersIN leadership programme which is designed to empower sixth-form schoolgirls and enhance their leadership shills through mentorship from female leaders.

“The friendships I have formed with other students have made this experience the most enjoyable for me. I have made friends for life in so many other students, arriving knowing no one and leaving with 19 new best friends.

“Additionally, being given the opportunity to speak in the European Parliament in Strasbourg was phenomenal. Standing up to speak in front of 700 of my peers and those watching online was so daunting, but I am proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and raising my hand to be chosen by the Moderator.”

For Aoife, gender equality is key issue for young people today.

“Especially for young women entering the workforce and potentially experiencing the pay gap and discrimination regarding time off, daily responsibilities and stereotypes.

"While this affects many women in the EU, those in less economically developed counties face life-limiting challenges, where their rights and dignity are stripped from them in inhumane displays of violence and inequality.

“Furthermore, the violence against women epidemic in the North of Ireland is appalling. 98% of women in the North have faced discrimination due to their gender. This is simply unacceptable, and politicians need to step up to do more to tackle this issue.”

She would recommend the competition to all young people.

“This has been the best experience, and any young person would be incredibly lucky to take part in the Rotary Youth Leadership Development Competition. Regardless of the level of success, every applicant gains vital interview skills and experience, preparation skills and an awareness of the world around them because of research tasks carried out for their interview. Thank you, Rotary Ireland, for this amazing opportunity!”