In Prince Edward Island, municipal elections are swiftly approaching, with concerns emerging over the limited number of women participating. On November 2, voters will cast their ballots in most municipalities across the province. Among the five major municipalities – Charlottetown, Cornwall, Stratford, Summerside, and Three Rivers – only 20 out of 78 candidates are women, accounting for approximately 25% of the total candidates.
Alanna Jankov, Charlottetown’s Deputy Mayor, highlighted various obstacles hindering women from seeking 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 greater female participation.
Suggestions to boost female representation include offering childcare services, flexible work schedules, and addressing the issue of low compensation in politics. Carrie Adams, a City of Summerside Counsellor, echoed concerns about inadequate pay in municipal politics, describing it as a demanding role with insufficient financial rewards.
Adams also pointed out that social media could act as a deterrent for women considering entering politics, emphasizing the importance of maintaining respectful online interactions. Both Jankov and Adams highlighted the potential risks posed by social media, particularly in terms of safety for women and marginalized communities.
Hannah Bell, Executive Director of the P.E.I. Coalition for Women’s Leadership, expressed disappointment over the low number of women candidates, attributing it to the lack of support and existing barriers. Bell stressed the importance of creating a more inclusive environment to attract diverse candidates and emphasized the need for caregiving allowances and better working conditions in municipal positions.
Safety concerns were identified as a significant barrier preventing women from engaging in politics, prompting calls for open discussions on acceptable behavior in public spaces and the implementation of protective measures. Bell asserted that addressing these challenges would facilitate greater female involvement in politics.
Ultimately, the aim is to break down barriers and create a more inviting environment for women to participate in politics. Bell urged for a comprehensive approach to tackle the complex issues hindering female representation, emphasizing that running for office is challenging yet rewarding, offering a platform for advocating change within communities.