Not enough people can answer yes to that question. Yet.
This project started out exploring what barriers exist in local government that prevent progressive women and gender minorities from staying more than one term. We learned a lot.
We wondered if this is a “one bad apple” scenario or system wide issues. We chose to speak with women and people of marginalized genders about their experiences in British Columbia and Alberta. Each province has different local government acts, tools, resources, and perhaps, expectations.
It wasn’t enough to understand what is going on and name problems. We wanted to find solutions as well, and our role continues to be bringing these solutions directly to local governments, provincial governments, and organizations who can support the implementation.
Ever curious – we expanded this research to Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia
We want leadership in our communities that represent the diversity of its residents. In order to have this, we need local government structures that support people, are accessible and inclusive, and are not protecting some while harming others.
This project is a partnership between The Feminist Campaign School and Climate Caucus with a generous financial contribution from Women and Gender Equality Canada.