living lethbridgeliving . com
We asked you …
Do you think more women should be encouraged to run for and be elected to public office ? Yes ? No ? Why or why not ?
You said ...
Yes , but not just because we need them to represent “ women ’ s concerns ”– anytime you have more diversity , you get new perspectives on EVERY issue .
YES : 68 %
NO : 32 %
Statistically , when women make up at least 30 % of a government , the issues that are brought to the table change . Women are more likely to champion policies that support women ’ s rights and family friendly policies . In addition , women tend to support community strengthening policies . These are things that have broad benefits to the entire society .
Of course more women should be encouraged to run for office . Part of that requires building awareness around and actively changing how society and law enforcement respond to how women in office are threatened , sexualized , and abused . Premier Notley and Sandra Jansen are two such female leaders who have faced disproportionate , gender-based hate . Further to this point , we really need to encourage and support women of colour to run for elected office .
When we have images ( from the U . S .) of 7 men signing a bill that directly affect women ’ s reproductive options and rights , there is a problem . Equally as important , research shows that companies with more diversity on their boards are more successful . We need to encourage more women to be a part of politics and hold public office not only because women deserve equal opportunities at all levels , but because having their voices there will be better for the city / province / country . And the UN ’ s recommendation of 30 % is not enough , not when ( approx .) 50 % of the population is women – 50 % of the population should have 50 % of the seats !
Women get sh $ t done . However , no woman should take the decision to run lightly , they will be subjected to unwarranted abuses solely due to their gender .
I sincerely believe that , like men , if a woman feels qualified she should run . No preference should be given to encourage either of the two sexes to run .
I can ’ t believe this question is being asked .
Systemic bias must be systematically overcome . Only with equal political representation will the needs of women and children be adequately met .
People shouldn ’ t be encouraged to run for office based on their gender . All people who are qualified should be encouraged to run . Gender has nothing to do with qualifications .
Watch for our next poll question : Are you getting tired of all the Donald Trump news coverage ? Should we pay more attention to what ’ s going on south of the border ? Yes ? No ? Don ’ t care ? Why or why not ? Your answers in our May / June issue .
10 LETHBRIDGELIVING . COM MAR-APR 2017