Virtual gathering on March 8 to support women in local government

Did you know that AUMA has a Women in Municipal Government Hub that includes information and resources to promote and support women running in local elections?

According to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, in Canada, women occupy only 18% of mayors’ positions, and 28% of councillors’ seats. Women play a vital role in municipal government, and studies have shown that diversity improves an organization’s effectiveness. Local government creates and implements services, policies, and programs that directly shape a community. Having more women on municipal councils means more perspectives will be debated, which can lead to innovative decision-making and the of adoption new and different approaches.

On March 8, in recognition of International Women’s Day, AUMA will host a virtual gathering featuring Kasey Machin, cofounder of Areto Labs and ParityBOT, an initiative and resource that quantifies and counters online abuse of women in politics. A campaign toolkit developed by ParityYEG that can help candidates throughout Alberta will also be profiled. The event will be moderated by Charlene Smylie, previous small-community mayor and AUMA Board member.

The virtual gathering will be taking place from 12 - 1 p.m. on March 8. Register for the event here.

Be on the lookout for other events happening around Alberta supporting women’s participation in local government, such as the virtual session being hosted by the Lethbridge Public Library on February 23: So You Want to Run for Office: Women in Local Government.

AUMA staff are also currently working on updating the content on the Women in Municipal Government Hub and exploring other opportunities to profile municipalities and organizations who are working to increase diversity in local government

We welcome any ideas, stories, or feedback you have to share for how we can better promote and support women in local government. Feedback can be sent to advocacy [at] auma.ca.