2024-02-21

Women, girls invited to ‘she should run’ event on International Women’s Day

MAHONE BAY - Women and girls from Mahone Bay and beyond are invited to a discussion and information-sharing event on International Women's Day in hopes of enlisting more females to get involved in political campaigns and run for office, no matter the level of government.

The "she should run" open house-style session takes place on March 8 at town hall in Mahone Bay, off Main Street, between 1 and 4 p.m.

Supporting the organization of "she should run" are two Mahone Bay town councillors, Penny Carver and Suzanne Lohnes-Croft, who felt the timing was appropriate with International Women's Day and it being a municipal election year.

Speaking to LighthouseNOW, Lohnes-Croft and Carver said any women and girls interested in seeking political office now or in the future, whether be municipal, provincial or federal, or want to support or work on a campaign, are encouraged to participate. The event is free to attend, although RSVP-ing in advance is appreciated.

Those taking part can expect former female civic politicians to attend and chat about their experiences and answer questions. Mahone Bay's first-and-only woman who served as mayor in the town's 100-plus-year history, Virginia Uhlman, is also expected to be attend and speak. Participants will also receive materials to take away, view a video of a town council meeting, and can tour town hall.

Lohnes-Croft said she had experience with similar types of efforts, with success, dealing with trying to get more women on the ballot.

Grade 9 female students from the town's school, Bayview Community School, have been invited to attend "she should run," Lohnes Croft said.

The fact of the matter is women are under-represented in elected office. Carver said nine women have ever been elected to town council in Mahone Bay. Figures provided to town council in Mahone Bay show about 35 per cent of elected municipal officials in the province, despite more than half of Nova Scotians identify as women.

"We want women to start thinking about this while they're young," said Lohnes-Croft, who was elected to Mahone Bay council in a 2022 byelection but, previously, had two terms as a MLA.

"I waited until my children finished high school before I entered politics and I was asked many times to run but I couldn't see how I would and be the parent I wanted to be. I waited until my life was a little easier with more time. I think a lot of women feel like they don't have time."

"That's when being the supporter of a campaign comes in because you learn a lot being the background."

Carver said women carry and encounter different responsibilities and barriers than men do, which translates to different considerations when it comes to contemplating public office. "There are a lot of things women have in their lives," she said, encouraging women to identify their own individual hurdles and talk to and learn from others who've overcome challenges.

Lohnes-Croft plans to seek re-election in the October municipal election. Carver, who's served three terms in civic government, said she's undecided.

"She should run" is made possible with the funding support of $500 from the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women and up to $500 from the Town of Mahone Bay.

For more information about the event or RSVP, email inquiries@townofmahonebay.ca or call 902-624-8327.