New funding will help more women get elected to public office New funding will help more women get elected to public office

Canada NewsWire

OTTAWA, Oct. 25, 2016

Minister Hajdu closes Women's History Month with announcement of support for project by Equal Voice

OTTAWA, Oct. 25, 2016 /CNW/ - The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women, today announced that Equal Voice is receiving $1-million in funding for a three-year national project to address systemic barriers that contribute to the under-representation of women in politics. The announcement was made at an event hosted by Equal Voice as Canadians celebrate the final days of Women's History Month.

Through this project, Equal Voice and its partners will examine how legislatures and councils function, with the aim of making them more inclusive.

This project is being funded through Status of Women Canada's last call for proposals, entitled Support for Women's Empowerment, which closed on May 3, 2016. Through this call for proposals, approximately 45 community organizations have been selected to receive over $8 million in Government of Canada funding  for a dozen projects to create inclusive contexts to foster women's participation and leadership in the democratic and public life of the country.

Quick Facts

Equal Voice is receiving $1 million for a three-year national project to address systemic barriers that contribute to the under-representation of women in politics. At the federal level, 26% of Members of Parliamentarians are women. Municipally, 26% of councillors and 16% of mayors are women. October is Women's History Month in Canada. It includes the International Day of the Girl on October 11 and Persons Day on October 18. Canadians are invited to use social media to tell us about the women and girls who have inspired them using the hashtag #BecauseOfHer.

Quote

"Diversity in politics leads to innovative decision-making, which is good for all Canadians. But ensuring that women have a seat at the table doesn't happen by chance. That's why the Government of Canada is supporting organizations – like Equal Voice – that strive to eliminate the barriers that hold back women and girls, and get more women elected to office."

The Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P. Minister of Status of Women

"When women feel included in our democratic institutions, they are empowered to participate in political and public life. We know that getting women into elected office changes politics and benefits all Canadians. This new Government of Canada funding will help us to work with our partners to determine how we can make legislatures and councils work better for women."

Nancy Peckford, Executive DirectorEqual Voice

Associated Links

Celebrate Women's History Month

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SOURCE Status of Women Canada

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