An afternoon of influential women from across the province gathered in Moose Jaw on Saturday to encourage locals to run for office, boards and other leadership roles.
With the 2020 elections on the horizon for both municipal and provincial government, 9 women who currently hold leadership positions in Saskatchewan took the podium to express the importance of having more females in these areas.
Randy Goulden has been a Yorkton City Councillor since 1997 and spoke to some of her most challenging moments.
"I stood my ground and sometimes that's not what we do well. So we get labelled aggressive and everything else. Assertive. But that's what I did, and so that was my kind of defining moment."
The statistics of females in elected positions show low numbers. The focus of the event was to provide future female leaders with the tools to successfully run for office and other leadership positions in the future by sharing knowledge and insight.
Former Mayor of Moose Jaw, Deb Higgins has worn many hats throughout her career and offered up some words of wisdom.
"Build a network, make some close friends that have common interests because no matter what they're there for you to support you. We really do need to gather those people around us, that you just get along with and people you get along with, aren't always of the same mindset, but they can still be friends. For the rough days and for the good days." Explained Higgins.
In Canada, women occupy 18% of mayors’ positions and 28% of councillors’ seats and Saskatchewan ranks in the bottom percentage.
"Stats actually tell us that across Canada there is a really low number of women who sit in elected positions as counsellors and mayors, and Saskatchewan ranks in the bottom end of that." Said Moose Jaw city councillor, Crystal Froese.
"Lots of times you just need a little tap on the shoulder and maybe even mentoring to think of yourself as someone who might be able to put your foot in that leadership role."
Thu, Apr 25, 12:00 AM
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