Southwest Ontario's Women Leaders: "Why are we only 25% in 2016?"

Women leaders from across Southwest Ontario will gather at King’s University College on Thursday, October 27 to explore the challenges and barriers women leaders face in politics and beyond.

“This event came about because women colleagues from different municipalities wanted to network and connect,” said London Councillor Virginia Ridley. “Specifically we want to explore how our work is complicated by the fact that women are still a minority of voices on our respective elected councils.”

The event, hosted in partnership with Women & Politics, King’s University College, and the City of London, will feature a keynote address from former London Mayor Joni Baechler. Baechler will speak to the importance of women in politics, the challenges and opportunities.

“No matter what level of government you look at, or what part of the country, we still consistently see that only 25 per cent, or less, of elected seats in Canada are held by women,” said Baechler. “This is not democratic equality. We need to continue to challenge the status quo and support women in these leadership positions in our communities.”

More than 60 women are currently registered for the event representing a long list communities including London, St. Thomas, Sarnia, Waterloo, Huron County, and area First Nations including Chippewas of the Thames, and Oneida Nation of the Thames.

The event will feature a screening of the 25% Documentary, and several breakout sessions on topics that include how to get policy passed, how to engage and retain women in politics, and current issues in First Nations.

“We know that diversity in government representation makes a difference in the quality and depth of decisions that are made,” said Shawna Lewkowitz of Women & Politics. “The UN has a stated minimum threshold that says without 30% representation of women in government, you cannot adequately address the unique needs of women in our communities.”

WHAT: Women’s Political Summit
WHEN: Thursday, October 27, 2016
8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
WHERE: King's University College
266 Epworth Avenue
London, ON N6A 2M3
WHO: Women leaders and politicians from across Southwest Ontario
REGISTER: Register for the event on Eventbrite here.
Registration is $20 / $10 for students or unwaged
Lunch and coffee will be provided