‘Happy to see women in government,’ advocates say as numbers continue to rise – Winnipeg

As the upcoming election approaches, the United States stands at the brink of potentially electing its first female president.

Thirty-two years ago, Susan Thompson made history as Winnipeg’s first and only female mayor. The representation of women in politics is steadily increasing, with more women taking on leadership roles.

In 2021, Heather Stefanson became Manitoba’s first female premier, marking a significant milestone for the province.

Reflecting on her time in office from 1992 to 1998, Thompson shared her experience of initially lacking council support as mayor. However, with perseverance, she was able to gain the council’s backing and achieve significant progress during her tenure.

Thompson emphasized the vital role of individual citizens in supporting and encouraging elected officials to enact positive change.

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She highlighted the importance of citizen support in driving positive change and acknowledged the significance of each vote in shaping the future of governance.

“The citizens were my constant source of encouragement, recognizing my efforts to make a difference,” she stated.

Chi Wee-Ung, the executive director of Equal Voice, cited the growing presence of women in Canadian politics, with provinces like New Brunswick, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan surpassing historical numbers of female representatives. She highlighted the potential for these provinces to make significant strides in gender representation.

Wee-Ung pointed out that Canadians across the country are supportive of women in government and recognize their rightful place in political leadership.

“There is a clear endorsement of female participation in politics, with Canadians displaying a welcoming attitude towards women in governance,” she stated.

She also acknowledged some lingering traditional perspectives within political parties regarding the perception of women’s electability.

Wee-Ung emphasized the importance of challenging traditional views and promoting a more inclusive and diverse political landscape.

“It’s crucial to address and overcome any lingering biases within political circles to ensure equal opportunity for women in leadership roles,” she added.

Recent developments, such as the election of Susan Holt as New Brunswick’s first female premier and the increased representation of women in Manitoba’s legislative assembly and city council, underscore the progress towards gender equality in political representation.

It is evident that Canadians are supportive of women in government and recognize the importance of diverse voices in shaping policies and decisions.

“The positive reception towards women in politics reflects a progressive mindset among Canadians, signaling a shift towards more inclusive and equitable governance,” Wee-Ung concluded.

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