In Prince Edward Island, municipal elections are approaching in just a fortnight, with concerns arising over the low number of female candidates. On November 2, voters will cast their ballots in most municipalities across the province. The five largest municipalities on the island – Charlottetown, Cornwall, Stratford, Summerside, and Three Rivers – have a total of 78 candidates, with only 20 of them being women, accounting for about 25% of the candidates.
Alanna Jankov, the Deputy Mayor of Charlottetown, highlighted various obstacles that deter women from running for public office, such as time constraints, family obligations, and public scrutiny. She emphasized the need to shift the focus from questioning why women are not running to exploring ways to encourage more women to participate in elections. Jankov suggested that providing childcare services, offering flexible work schedules, and addressing the issue of low compensation could help attract more women to politics.
Carrie Adams, a City Councillor in Summerside, echoed concerns about the financial aspect of municipal politics, describing it as a full-time job with inadequate pay. Adams also mentioned social media as a potential deterrent for women in politics, emphasizing the importance of maintaining respectful discourse online.
Hannah Bell, the executive director of the P.E.I. Coalition for Women’s Leadership and former MLA, expressed disappointment at the low representation of women in municipal elections. She stressed the need for better support systems and the removal of barriers that hinder women from seeking public office. Bell highlighted the lack of caregiving allowances and the demanding work hours as additional challenges faced by women in politics.
Bell also emphasized the crucial issue of safety for women in politics and called for open discussions on acceptable behavior in public spaces, along with the implementation of guidelines and protections to ensure a safer environment for female candidates. She emphasized the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to address the multiple barriers that prevent women from entering politics.
Overall, the message is clear: while running for office can be challenging, it presents a valuable opportunity to effect positive change in the community. Encouraging more women to participate in politics requires addressing various obstacles and creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all aspiring candidates.
