Women are set to break down barriers to create a balance in politics at all levels.
That was the message given by local female politicians to high school students Friday at Orillia Secondary School during a panel discussion.
“I’m taking home the idea that I do have a voice,” said Julia Dowson, 16. “The idea of voicing my opinions to a body of people that will listen really makes me want to represent women in society.”
The Orillia Secondary School student said listening to the panellists talk encouraged her to vote when she turns 18.
That’s one way of increasing involvement and bringing about change, said Valerie Powell, former Simcoe North candidate for the Green Party.
She was among the 10 speakers, featuring elected provincial and municipal officials, former candidates and student representatives, brought together for the event organized by the Canadian Federation of University Women’s (CFUW) Orillia chapter.
“Our young students are passionate about politics and want to change the world,” said Powell. “The best way to make a change is to change policy. That’s the only way this world is going to be better for your generation.”
The system is against equality, she added, so the system needs to change.
“We have a two-party system and it’s a winner-take-all system,” said Powell, “and I think men do better in that system.”
Elizabeth Van Houtte, former Simcoe North provincial candidate for the New Democratic Party (NDP), agreed with Powell.
The barriers are systemic and we can’t be complacent about them, said Van Houtte.
But could they prove white privilege? That’s what Alex Rodger asked.
“You’re putting me on the spot here,” Van Houtte said, admitting she didn’t have statistics in front of her to properly answer the 16-year-old’s question.
“But a majority of positions in politics are held by men,” she added. “Most of the one per-centers are white men, and we all know women earn 75 cents for every dollar a man makes.”
Rodger said he didn’t see gender as a problem.
“I think it shouldn’t be an issue,” said the student from Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School. “Race, colour and gender shouldn’t decide who you vote for. It should be their policies and what they can do for the country.”
Panellists agreed a collaborative approach is needed to increase equality in politics.
“Having a more balanced representation would be essential for Canada’s future,” said Julia Felgner, a student trustee with the Simcoe County District School Board. “We need to be open to everybody’s ideas and perspectives. No one should be judged on anything but their opinion.”
Being active in politics at the school level has given her courage, she said.
“I was very shy and decided to take a leap of faith and joined Me to We and student council,” said Felgner. “I realized I could make a difference in students’ lives and that was a boost for my self-esteem.”
Her peer, Paige Hannan, said identifying the problem is key to beginning the journey toward balance.
“Girls need to look at themselves and think, ‘We can do it; our voices are worthy,’” said the Orillia Secondary School student, who is a student council member as well as the Premier’s Youth Council representative. “We need to educate ourselves and others.”
Hannan said women need to take themselves seriously in politics.
“We need to make sure we’re heard,” she added. “We can’t sit back. We need to take charge and do things.”
Sarah Valiquette-Thompson, a former Orillia councillor who now serves on Severn Township council, said the electorate might think women who have young children cannot be good politicians.
“We need to advocate for women and raise awareness around the minds of the voters,” she said. “Women are miraculous multi-taskers and are capable of being a mom and having a job and following our passion.”
Sharon Stinson Henry said she believes there's more of a lack of opportunities for women than there are obstacles.
“Our paths change and sometimes we don’t choose our paths,” said the former chief of Rama First Nation. “If you think you are interested in politics, it’s good to get education, but it doesn’t matter what career you choose — you can still make a good politician.”
Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop and former Simcoe North provincial Liberal candidate Laura Domsy, as well as local students, were also on the panel.
The CFUW is organizing a second event for women interested in politics and those who are interested in supporting women in politics. The session is open to the public and will take place April 24 from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. at Orillia Secondary School.