Our names are Natasha Honey and Amanda Jackson, and we are the current co-chairs of the Queen’s Female Leadership in Politics (QFLIP) conference at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. QFLIP’s mandate is to inspire and empower young women, providing them with the skills and tools necessary to pursue a career in politics. Since its foundation in 2015, QFLIP has grown to become one of the most influential conferences within the Canadian student community, addressing the current underrepresentation and disenfranchisement of women in politics.

Throughout the conference’s existence, QFLIP has sought to provide a non-partisan, inclusive space for like minded individuals to engage with speakers, workshops, and events, aiding them on their path to professional and political success. We take an intersectional view of politics, believing in the importance of including all genders, races, ages, abilities, classes, and orientations in our community. Diversity in thought, background, and experience is an unparalleled asset – we all lose out when women’s voices aren’t heard.

Women are not victims but rather the embodiment of resilience; we must be empowered to break new ground and achieve new heights despite institutional barriers. Politics are not limited to Parliament Hill – policy- and decision-making branch into all aspects of private and public life.