About
Women's
Network
Past Projects:
Women in Politics Initiative (WIP)Background Information
We are focusing on increasing women's involvement as politicians at the municipal level, and women's involvement in the issues at the provincial level. We have chosen to do this for a number of reasons. Provincially, political parties find their candidates and provide support. It is important that this project provide non-partisan support to any woman wanting to be involved. So for the provincial election, we will focus on developing issues of importance to women as campaign issues. At the municipal level, we will undertake to increase the number of women running for election. Municipal politics can be a less intimidating place to get involved as a politician, and the campaign issues are community issues that many women who have not been involved in politics still have experience in. In addition, the date for the municipal elections is set and this allow us more control over our project timeline. Our expectation is that over the long-term, a "trickle-up" effect will result in more women running for provincial office. An initial meeting with 4 politicians established the need for the project and an appropriate approach.
WIP Phase I (1996-97)
Goal: To increase the involvement of women in municipal and provincial politics on PEI funded by Status of Women Canda.
Objectives:
To increase the number of women candidates in municipal elections
To make women's issues campaign issues and thereby to increase the interest of women in provincial politics
WIP Phase II (1997-98)
In Phase II of the project, additional work as done to build on the extensive number of contacts which have been made among women involved in or interested in politics in PEI. The public as encouraged to actively solicit participation from women in upcoming municipal elections. Support will be given to women by way of information and mentoring opportunities.
The goal and objectives of Phase I carried over into Phase II.
WIP Phase III (1998-99)
In Phase III, the Women in Politics initiative took a strategic approach to changing policy within municipal and provincial party structures in order to effect long term improvement in the level of involvement of women. This focus ensured that work done at the grass roots would not be lost over time, but rather, enhanced by an environment that welcomes women to political life.
Goal:
To increase the involvement of women in municipal and provincial politics in PEI
Objectives:
- The creation of an environment which will stimulate the involvement of women in municipal politics over the long term, both as candidates and workers
- TThe creation of initiatives and policies by political parties that will support increased involvement of women provincial politics
WIP Phase IV (1999-2000)
To date, Women's Network has been successful in making this low percentage of women municipal councillors (20%) an issue of public concern on PEI. Phase IV focussed on building relationships and partnerships with the PEI's Department of Community Affairs; increasing young women's knowledge of women in politics and preparing for PEI's next municipal election in November 2000.
Goal:
To increase the involvement of women in municipal politics in Prince Edward Island.
Objectives:
- To build a partnership with PEI's provincial government department of Community Services and Attorney General
- To increase young women's knowledge of women's involvement in the political process
- To create a strategic plan for the coming municipal election in November 2000.
Resources Developed by WIP (Phase I - IV)
- Guide to Women in Politics - Facilitator's Handbook developed in Phase III
- Guidebook for Women Candidates in PEI developed in Phase III
- Women's Network PEI: Women in Politics Initiative Evaluation submitted in Phase IV
- Who Wants to be a Municipal Councillor web-based trivia game developed in Phase IV
- Road to Town Hall board game developed in Phase IV
Women's Network Office
located at 3 Queen St. in Charlottetown
mailing address:
P.O. Box 233,
Charlottetown, PEI C1A 7K4
phone: (902) 368-5040
fax: (902) 368-5039
e-mail:
wnpei@wnpei.org