Encouraging more women to enter the field of politics is the goal of an upcoming community event.
Data gathered by the United Nations shows that globally, women are underrepresented at all levels of decision-making, and Canada has a long way to go to achieve gender parity in political life.
Currently only 30.5 per cent of Canadian MPs are women. At the local government level, just 35 per cent of municipal politicians are female.
Yet despite the many challenges and barriers women face in entering politics, their participation is valuable, according to a group of community members organizing an upcoming inspirational event for women interested in politics.
"There is established and growing evidence that women’s leadership in political decision-making processes improves them," a press release states.
"Balanced political participation and power-sharing between women and men in decision-making is essential because it can lead to greater gender equality and to better social, economic and political outcomes for all Canadians. In addition, women have been shown to work effectively across party lines, in even the most politically combative environments."
And with the next civic election just a few months away on Oct. 15, now is the perfect time to have a conversation about female involvement in local politics, organizers say.
The event is hosted by TriCities community members Cathy Cena, Patrick McCarthy and Nancy Furness, and is co-sponsored by TriCities Community Television and We've Got Issues.
'Hear Her Politics' will be held Thursday, June 16 at Douglas College Coquitlam Campus from 6-9 p.m.
Among the keynote speakers are:
- Nicola Spurling, social justice activist and former Green Party candidate
- Donella Prasad, chief of staff, House of Commons Canada
- Sonia Furstenau, leader of the B.C. Green Party and MLA for Cowichan Valley.
- Ellen Woodsworth, social justice activist and former Vancouver city councillor
"The goal of this event is to support and inspire more women to become involved in municipal level politics through the sharing of inspiring words, encouragement, experience and support from women who have taken on leadership roles," said the organizers.
Speakers will share their personal stories and advice to women interested in seeking an elected position and to others who support gender equity in all levels of decision-making. For anyone considering running or supporting a candidate for city council in the upcoming municipal election, now is a great time to start the conversation, said Furness, one of the organizers.
The event will also include an opportunity for questions and networking.
It takes place in Lecture Theatre A1470 (First floor Building A) at the campus located at 1250 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam. Find Douglas College parking information on this link.
Registration is free and the event is open to all.
