...Throughout the world women face obstacles for their participation in politics. These barriers exist in prevailing social and economic systems, as well as in existing political structures. In 2007, the rate of female representation at national level stands at merely 18 per cent globally. Although this figure has increased in recent years, minimal progress has been made, meaning that the ideal of parity between men and women in national legislatures still remains distant....
Women have the desire to be political leaders, even though they receive heavy doses of 'perfection politics' when they do run.
Women have the desire to be political leaders, even though they receive heavy doses of 'perfection politics' when they do run.
Women face uphill battle to enter N.W.T. politics: candidates (click here)
"I think the bar is set higher for women. For me, I felt that I needed to answer far more questions than the men candidates," Mulders said.
"I think the bar is set higher for women. For me, I felt that I needed to answer far more questions than the men candidates," Mulders said.
...Fewer women are running in this fall's Northwest Territories election than in 2003, and past female candidates say it's difficult to get elected.
Across the territory, 10 women are vying for seats in the Oct. 1 territorial election. There are 19 seats in the legislative assembly.
Of the 11 women who ran in the 2003 election, two were elected and five finished second, but none of those who placed second are running again this year.
"No matter how popular you are or how professional you are, it's by association and relativity," Judy Tutcho said in a CBC Radio phone-in segment Thursday morning. Tutcho came in second to Norman Yakeleya in the Sahtu district in 2003.
Annemieke Mulders, who lost to Robert Hawkins by 40 votes in the Yellowknife Centre district in 2003, said she is helping another woman get elected this time around, instead of running again.
"I think the bar is set higher for women. For me, I felt that I needed to answer far more questions than the men candidates," Mulders said.
"I was grilled perhaps more deeply on the issues just to make sure that I did really understand them as a woman."
Hay River South MLA Jane Groenewegen and Range Lake MLA Sandy Lee, who were both members of the last legislature, are seeking re-election.
To encourage more women to get involved in politics, the N.W.T. Status of Women Council held a political campaign "school" in July for 13 potential candidates and campaign staff.
"They have to take the first step, in order for other women to hear a voice that says, 'Oh, if she can do it, then I can,'" said Samantha DeChief, who helped organize the July event.
The status of women council is also hosting a women's issues forum with Yellowknife-based candidates next week. Former council president Lynn Brooks said political campaigning itself can be a rough ride for women.
"Support for women is still very low," she said. "I talk to women all the time who have thought of running or have run, and have been treated abominably in their communities."...
