Why this knowledge hub?

This is the principal graphic of the document and showcases the four pillars previously defined.  The graphic has the four pillars surrounding in a slight swirl around a central circle stating the objective of “Opportunities to achieve and retain parity”. Each pillar is represented on a circle overlapping with the others and showing the inter-connective nature of each of these pillars. To the left of the graphic contains the four headings of the pillars with a few key examples listed beneath each one.

This compilation of resources from across Canada and around the world are some of the many tools, best practices, projects, research and ideas which have been pulled together with the hopes of promoting and achieving parity in municipal representation. The hub is intended to be a complement to the Run, Win, Lean, Toward Parity in Municipal Politics, a sectoral framework with the intention to support the attainment and retention of gender parity in local government. Based on a pan-Canadian extensive consultation about the challenges and opportunities to promote diverse and equal representation in local leadership. The Toward Parity project categorized these realties into four pillars of intervention.

  1. IMPROVED ACCESS TO INFORMATION
    Addresses all the gaps in information that exist from tools, best practices, and knowledge from running a campaign to the data gaps and misinformation that persist about the roles and responsibilities of local government.
     
  2. ENHANCED INCLUSION
    Addresses a number of societal challenges including but not limited to disparities due to gender, race, age, economic status. The inclusion theme also tackles key issues such as intimidation, harassment (online and in person) as well as exclusionary norms and processes.
     
  3. INCREASED SUPPORT
    Addresses the steps, mechanisms and processes that could be put in place to ensure that all women have support to overcome challenges or to balance out additional burdens that exist as a result of their gender. This includes familial support, access to mentorship, policies and workplace accommodations.
     
  4. IMPROVED GOVERNANCE AND STRUCTURES
    Addresses the changes to policies, structures (political, financial and legislative) that impact an individual’s ability to serve their community. This also incorporates the broader relationships with stakeholders that will allow for more informed and reflective decision-making for the community.

Within each pillar of intervention there are opportunities and challenges that need to be addressed in order to ensure that all women have an equal opportunity to #RunWinLead in municipal politics. The pillars and actions do not operate in silos but are interconnected influencing one another.

OBJECTIVE

Communities, stakeholders, regional associations and international actors have been working to remove the barriers to equal representation. This knowledge hub is a compilation of some of the many resources, examples, tools, reports and best practices that a diverse representation of stakeholders have shared virtually. The resources have been categorised into one of the four pillars of intervention, however many of these resources could be included in all pillars. The resources are at times only available in one language, but where possible we have included the links to both the French and English versions. Happy reading!

RESOURCES: Four pillars for change

1. Improved access to information

2. Enhanced inclusion

3. Increased support

 

CASE STUDIES

Toward Parity supported 20 projects with a small grant to enhance the opportunities for all women, with a priority for women of intersectional and diverse backgrounds, in their community through a locally responsive initiatives building on local creativity, talent and momentum. Congratulations to all the communities who were selected and implemented their initiatives.

Improved Access to Information

City of Moncton (NB):
The City of Moncton is actively planting the seed to encourage more women to run for municipal office with special outreach to the 20-35 year old age group, newcomers and seniors.

City of Mount Pearl (NL):
YWCA St John’s and The City of Mount Pearl partner to explore "Why Diversity Matters in Politics"

City of Winkler (MB):
The City of Winkler is using lunch and learn activities to facilitate a greater understanding and acceptance in the community of the importance of diverse voices and representation, particularly encouraging young, newcomer and rural women from diverse backgrounds into local government and other leadership positions in Winkler.

District Municipality of Muskoka (ON):
Have a seat at the table, Engaging women of Muskoka in municipal politics. A partnership between YWCA Muskoka and the District to offer a series of women-centred online workshops aimed at engaging more women in municipal politics

Town of Hinton (AB):
The Town of Hinton and Community Futures West Yellowhead encourage more women to run for council, through networking, sharing and learning sessions .

Town of Orangeville (ON):
Orangeville is supporting women from diverse groups to run for council through a series of speakers corner inspiration women from Orangeville , sharing insights, advice and inspriation. (link to resource coming soon)

Town of Pouch Cove (NL):
The Town of Pouch Cove is introducing and encouraging more women into the world of politics through the Growing Community Involvement: A Workshop for Women in Pouch Cove

Enhanced Inclusion

City of Chestermere (AB):
Conversation Café and Webinar series on Inclusion, Support, Diversity and so much more. A dynamic series of inspiration webinars tackling many of the obstacles to women in politics.

City of Hamilton (ON):
The City of Hamilton and YWCA-Hamilton provided an opportunity for women and non-binary individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, Persons of Colour (BIPOC) to participate in a series of workshops with a focus on learning how to claim power and place in politics to affect change.

County of Simcoe (ON):
The County of Simcoe is helping immigrant women take up community leadership roles and consider leadership in municipal politics. (link to resource coming soon)

Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities and 6 First Nation Councils and our 10 Municipal Councils in Eastern Nova Scotia

Elect her celebrating women in local government. Building, strengthening and promoting women’s leadership in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Town of Ajax (ON):
Durham Girls Inc, promoting women in leadership from a young age. The Town of Ajax and Durham Girls Inc are inspiring, growing and encouraging the leaders of tomorrow.

Increased Support

City of Nanaimo (BC):
Mentorship and linkages are critical to promoting more women in leadership roles. Learn how the City of Nanaimo in partnership with Equal Voice Central Vancouver Island are pairing mentors and young mentees so that they can see themselves in political and leadership positions.

City of Prince George (BC):
Inspiring women among us. The City of Prince George and the University of Nothern British Columbia promote women in leadership and politics by showcasing and celebrating inspiring, diverse women.

St Catherines (ON) :
Mentorship is key to getting women into city hall. The City of St Catherines and Women in Niagra Council build equity and inclusiveness through mentorship and outreach.

United Counties of Prescott and Russell (ON):
Prescott-Russell launches an awareness campaign and toolkit to encourage women to run for municipal office and promote the importance of women’s representation on municipal councils.

Town of Lac du Bonnet (MB):
Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba helps rural women prepare to take an active role in municipal politics. (link to resource coming soon)

Québec (QC):
Building skills, a network and the power of effective and influencial communication; A virtual cohort of diverse Québécoises, both emerging and elected officials, took part in The Art of Effective Communication workshop offered in partnership with Groupes Femmes Politiques et Démocratie.

© 2024 Federation of Canadian Municipalities