Susan Thompson, who served as Winnipeg’s first female mayor, expressed concern over the prolonged absence of another woman in the mayoral role. Reflecting on her term from 1992 to 1998, Thompson emphasized the need for gender diversity in leadership positions, pointing out the lack of female candidates for the upcoming October election. She urged women to step forward before the registration deadline on September 22.
Despite women constituting half of Winnipeg’s population, they are significantly underrepresented in the city council, holding only 37% of the seats. Kelly Saunders, a political science professor at Brandon University, highlighted the persistent barriers preventing women from entering politics nationwide. These obstacles contribute to the current imbalance in elected positions, with women occupying about one-third of governmental roles.
Saunders noted the reluctance of women to run for office, citing concerns about online harassment, threats, and personal attacks faced by politicians. The hostile environment, particularly towards women and gender-diverse individuals, poses challenges to their candidacy. Recent incidents targeting Manitoba ministers underscore the risks associated with political engagement.
While acknowledging the increasing interest of young women in political science studies, Saunders emphasized the need to address systemic barriers hindering women’s political participation. She described the political arena as exclusive due to overarching structural challenges that deter many from pursuing leadership roles.
Susan Thompson, recalling her entry into politics as a “blood sport,” emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity and focusing on public service rather than engaging in hostile behavior. Similarly, Janice Lukes, a veteran council member, emphasized the resilience required in navigating the demanding nature of politics.
In Brandon, another Manitoba city, gender disparity persists in municipal leadership, with only one woman serving on the council. Efforts by advocacy groups like “Her Seat at the Table” aim to promote gender equality and diverse representation in local governance. Despite progress in encouraging female participation, achieving equitable gender representation remains a work in progress.
Kathy Valentino, president of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives in local governance and encouraged individuals to pursue candidacy. With the upcoming municipal election on October 28, various resources are available for aspiring candidates interested in contributing to their communities.
Susan Thompson reiterated the significance of supporting and empowering potential female candidates in Winnipeg, emphasizing the collective responsibility in fostering a more inclusive political landscape. She called on the community to identify and encourage capable women to step up and engage in the political process.
