Geraldton university student Rachel Jupp heading to the UN in New York as a Global Voices Scholar

From growing up in Geraldton to mixing it with power players at the United Nations in New York, Rachel Jupp’s passion to empower women from regional areas has landed her on a world stage.

The Curtin University student has been named as one of five new Global Voices Scholars and will use the national award to advocate for enhancing the business and entrepreneurial pursuits of regional women in WA.

This month, the law and international relations student will join the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York, where she will be able to network with international change-makers.

The conference’s theme is innovation, technical change and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality.

Ms Jupp said she was thrilled with the scholarship and credited growing up in the Mid West with inspiring her drive to help create change for women in the regions.

“I am originally from Geraldton, which inspired me to use the conference theme to develop a policy paper focusing on enhancing economic participation for women living in regional and remote areas,” she said.

“To propose a program addressing this need and to bring a youth perspective to the discussion is an exciting opportunity, as is the chance to be among decision-makers and influencers at both national and international levels.”

Curtin vice-chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne said Ms Jupp’s academic performance, work experience and passion for championing the economic participation of women in regional and remote areas made her a worthy recipient of the coveted scholarship.

“We are at a critical juncture with matters related to gender equality and I am confident Ms Jupp will use this fantastic opportunity to create change in this space that will have real impact in her home State and beyond,” Professor Hayne said.