Former London Mayor Joni Baechler will headline a political summit for women in southwestern Ontario on Thursday.
Hosted by Women & Politics, King's University College, and the City of London, the Women’s Political Summit will explore why only 25% of political seats in Canada are held by women.
“No matter what level of government you look at, or what part of the country, we still consistently see that only 25%, or less, of elected seats in Canada are held by women,” says 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.”
During the six and a half hour conference Baechler will also discuss the importance of women in politics, the challenges, and opportunities.
The documentary "25%" will be shown as part of the summit, with several breakout sessions planned on how to get policy passed, how to engage and retain women in politics, and current issues in First Nations.
“This event came about because women colleagues from different municipalities wanted to network and connect,” says London City 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.”
More than 60 women from London, St. Thomas, Sarnia, Waterloo, Huron County, and area First Nations including Chippewas of the Thames, and Oneida Nation of the Thames have registered for the event.
The summit begins at 8:30am at King's University College on Epworth Ave.
For more information or to register for the event click here.