Saba Rahi: On community-led change
Saba Rahi is a 33-year old Muslim Afghan Australian woman. She has lived in Perth since she was 4 years old having moved with her family from Pakistan. She has completed all her formal education in Perth and is currently working towards a Doctor of Education. Saba has taught at all levels of the education system from childcare through to tertiary education at various universities and TAFEs and is currently teaching at a public school North of Perth.
I am passionate about changing the landscape of the education and training sector to ensure the curriculum meets the needs of our 21st Century learners and the needs of the industry in the new world of work. I feel strongly about reducing the stigma around mental health and wellbeing, particularly among men and the CALD community. I think mental health, mindfulness and conscious living should be taught.
What inspired you to run for election this year?
I am running for Councillor because we need young, diverse, female representation at all levels of government, particularly in local councils. It is clear that there is a lack of a strong voice representing our youth and diversity within our community. This is deeply upsetting as over a third of our residents are aged under 20 years of age and almost half of City of Wanneroo residents are born overseas; and they will be the future of our City. I am passionate about change. Big, macro change. Seismic change. Global change doesn't come without taking small steps. In order to think globally, we must act locally (cliche, I know!). I want to be a role model and pave the way for younger women from diverse backgrounds to feel empowered to contribute to the political discourse at all levels in our communities. You can't be what you can't see - I want to ensure that our younger generation has role models from all walks of life to look up to - people that look like them, sound like them and live like them. It's important to have a diverse representation of people who share the same values, culture, religion and way of life as us. Only then can we fully integrate into society.
What are the key causes and impact areas you are championing?
As Councillor of the Central-East Ward, I will ensure that our youth are empowered and reflected in our conversations and decision-making. I will foster community-led projects, advocate for safer roads and trails, and fervently support small, local businesses. I will champion our local farms as City of Wanneroo farmers contribute to the production of approximately 20 percent of WA’s total fruit and vegetable production. These local elections, vote for a more sustainable Wanneroo where green energy initiatives, climate change, planting more trees and a move to electric cars is the focus of the agenda. Together, let's slam dunk the junk for a cleaner Wanneroo and collectively advocate for safe graffiti spaces for our youth to express their creativity. Oh, and with my background in finance and my understanding of budgets, who doesn’t appreciate a push for lower council rates!
What is your message to other young people who may have thought about running too?
Get involved in your community and run! Don't let your age or your lack of experience become a barrier. I have worked extensively with young people and I know for a fact how passionate they can be. Our young people are incredibly well-informed and talented. Coupled with their drive and enthusiasm, these attributes will make them influential in their communities to be able to champion the causes they advocate for.
Saba Rahi is a candidate for Wanneroo in Western Australia. You can follow Saba’s campaign here:
Facebook: Saba Rahi and Saba for Wanneroo
Instagram: the.saba.rahi
LinkedIn: Saba Rahi
