In order for our political bodies to effectively represent the interests of its citizens, our governments need to represent the people that they serve. Women make up only 36 per cent of the B.C. legislature and only 25 per cent of Canadian Parliament. Numbers are generally even lower at municipal levels. We rank behind countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Rwanda in the representation of women in our political bodies.
One factor in creating equality in politics is to increase women's political knowledge, networks, skills and confidence. Regardless of political affiliation, women are under-represented on all levels of public service, and we are changing that.
Canadian Women Voters Congress is creating impact through programs such as our non-partisan Women's Campaign School on Nov. 29 and 30. The school helps train women to run for office, manage political campaigns or seek other leadership positions within community. It is an opportunity for women to connect with the political process and for personal and professional growth.
Since 1999, the Women's Campaign School has brought together veteran elected officials from all parties to share practical skills and first-hand experiences working in our political system. We are proud to count amongst our alumni and faculty campaign managers, city councilllors, school board trustees, mayors, MLAs and MPs. Jane Shin, MLA for Burnaby-Lougheed, joined us as a participant last year. This year we are excited to count Kate Van Meer-Mass, who works in Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan's office and who managed MLA David Eby's successful May election campaign, as one of our instructors.
The reasons more women do not get involved in politics in greater numbers are as varied as the women themselves. One that we hear repeatedly is that women wait for the "right time" or when they feel "best prepared" - they agonize over the decision in ways men don't. Women often hold politicians to a higher standard and feel overwhelmed with the idea of living up to that standard. Women have been shown to have less political knowledge than men. Women are more likely to have more demands on their time that don't align with a life in politics. Women are also more likely to get involved in politics because someone else already involved asks them to be.
While there are other forces within political parties, government bodies, and media that influence women's success in politics, Canadian Women Voters Congress and Women's Campaign School focus on educating and empowering women to make contributions to public life. Research by the Inter-Parliamentary Union outlines training and capacity building as important factors is increasing women's involvement in politics.
In times where scandals and partisan bickering seem to be the norm, women's political involvement is even more important. Women politicians have been shown to more likely work across party lines to develop common solutions to common problems.
The world has an increasingly urgent need for effective leaders - all women should be encouraged to fulfil their potential and leave their mark.
Information on the Canadian Women Voters Congress and registration for the campaign school can be found at womenvoters.ca. Please join us.
Trina Isakson is the chair of the board of directors of the Canadian Women Voters Congress.
