Two years ago Canada was fortunate to witness 338 young women take their seats in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill.
It was the first time in history that all the seats in the Chamber were filled by women. I am so pleased to see that it won’t be the last. Recently, Equal Voice, a national, multi-partisan organization, announced two more Daughters of the Vote events.
Equal Voice is based out of Ottawa with volunteer-run chapters in most provinces and in the Yukon Territory. Their purpose as an organization is to see more women run and more women get elected as politicians. Daughters of the Vote is a great way to encourage that.
Throughout my political career, I have been a passionate promoter of women in politics and other leadership positions. Women are under represented as elected officials at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels of government. We all benefit when women are at the decision-making table. Girls and women can’t be what they can’t see. It’s hard for anyone to imagine themselves in a role when they are not used to seeing anyone else like them hold that role. With initiatives like Daughters of the Vote we are showing girls and women that they do belong in Parliament, in legislatures, and in City Halls.
When I watched Daughters of the Vote from the Speaker’s office at the Manitoba legislature, I was inspired. It was a stunning visual of the next generation of female leaders taking their seats. The next Daughters of the Vote will happen in April 2019.
This program is aimed at female community leaders and change makers. One woman from each of the 338 federal ridings will go to Ottawa for a week long seminar on political engagement and community leadership. Participants will meet with politicians, attend programming, and of course, take their seat in the House of Commons. One of the best things about this event for participants is the fact that they are able to network and make life long friends with like minded individuals. Who knows, these young women might meet their future caucus colleague in Ottawa!
I look forward to seeing the next group of 338 young women take their seats in the House of Commons.
More information on this event can be found at: daughtersofthevote.ca