Former La Sainte Union student Eden Lunghy, 18, speaks to the Ham&High about her role as a Camden deputy youth mayor.

Which women in today’s society do you draw inspiration from?

Through my teenage years, I have grown to be an advocate of equity for all. I draw a lot of inspiration from women such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Christine Caine, Shonda Rhimes and my mum.

All these women have not only broken barriers in their personal lives but use their work to continue to break barriers for all and challenge us to question the status quo of society.

They have individually encouraged me to self-reflect on my personal view of the world and shaped my perspective on what it means to be a woman in the 21st century.

Looking back at history, I admire how much progress we have made for women in all spheres of life. Chimamanda has pushed me to question and understand what authentic and genuine feminism is while Shonda Rhimes continues to portray women as more than one-dimensional characters in her hit TV shows.

However, The A21 Campaign founded by Christine Caine woke me up to the realities that there is still more work to be done. Closer to home, my mum (as cliché as it may be) is a big inspiration to me – having fled the Democratic Republic of Congo and found refuge in the UK her life has defied what statistics would set her life out to be.

What is it like to grow up as a young woman in Camden?

Growing up in Camden has definitely been an adventure. The diversity of not only the people but the culture and vibrancy they bring to the borough is something that still resonates with me in Reading. As a young woman, Camden has made me feel empowered and given me the confidence to reach my goals in further education through amazing schools such as La Sainte Union.

I feel that Camden gives young women space where they can feel safe to pursue their passions whether that be through music at the Roundhouse, sports at Coram’s Fields or even politics through the Camden Youth Council there is always something for young women in Camden.

How do you intend to use your role in the youth parliament to push for change?

The unpredictability and longevity of results in my role as Deputy Youth MP have grown my resilience and passion to bring change for young people in Camden.

Throughout my term, I have had the opportunity to talk to an array of young people, councillors and residents about what they want to see for young people in Camden who have supported the work that the Camden Youth Council do such as hosting the bi-annual Youth Shout Out that is tailored to what young people want.

I have been a push for change in my work with the Camden STEAM Commission to ensure all young people in Camden are reaping the benefits of the thriving creative, scientific and digital economy that is blossoming out of the borough.

Moreover, my Twitter has given me a platform to promote opportunities for young people in Camden in a way that is accessible to them so that they never miss out. This has brought change in the way that young people communicate with the Council as social media plays a significant role in how young people receive information and is something I will continue to work with outside my role.