Executive Council
August 3, 2015
Encouraging Women�s Leadership and Political Participation
Government Launches Province-wide Leadership Sessions for Women
The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, announced today that Young Women�s Leadership Sessions are underway throughout the province. The sessions are designed to encourage young women aged 16 to 30 to become active in politics and community leadership roles, and will take place from now to September.
�The advancement of women in leadership roles of all types is a key priority of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. In Canada, women represent 52 per cent of the population yet they only make up an average of 24 per cent of the country�s municipal, provincial and federal elected representatives. We hope these sessions will spark a desire for many young women to consider taking an active role.�
-The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minster of Education and Early Childhood Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women
The workshops were developed through a partnership between the Women�s Policy Office and the Office of Public Engagement, and will be hosted by 19 Community Youth Networks. By participating in the facilitated workshops, young women will learn how to effectively engage in their communities and with the political system at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels. A complete schedule of sessions can be found in the backgrounder below.
�Creating an environment where women are engaged in politics and leadership roles is essential to achieving true gender equality in Newfoundland and Labrador. This environment also supports the Provincial Government�s Population Growth Strategy, which promotes the economic and lifestyle opportunities available for individuals in this province.�
-The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement
The sessions are accompanied by resources from the Women�s Policy Office, the Women in Resource Development Corporation, and community organizations such as YWCA St. John�s, a non-profit organization currently working to help young women build leadership and facilitation skills in St. John�s.
�Given the upcoming federal and provincial elections, these sessions are a timely way for young women to develop their leadership skills, interest in politics, and ability to make a difference collectively. They are also consistent with YWCA's vision of creating a community and world where women and girls are supported and inspired to lead decision-making.�
- Wendolyn Schlamp, Executive Director, YWCA St. John's
The Women�s Policy Office and Office of Public Engagement will capture all feedback gathered throughout the sessions and make it available to the public. To learn more, or to register for a session, please visit: //www.nlyouth.ca/ProgramsServices/CYN.html
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government has launched Young Women�s Leadership Sessions to encourage women aged 16 to 30 to take leadership roles in politics and their communities.
- The Women�s Policy Office and the Office of Public Engagement are working with 19 Community Youth Networks to host and facilitate each session.
- In Canada, women represent 52 per cent of the population, yet they only make up an average of 24 per cent of Canada's municipal, provincial and federal elected representatives.
- The facilitated workshops will show young women how they can effectively engage with the political system at municipal, provincial, and federal levels.
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Media contacts:
| Gina MacArthur Communications Specialist Women�s Policy Office 709-729-6225 ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca |
Kip Bonnell Communications Manager Office of Public Engagement 709-729-1221, 687-9081 kbonnell@gov.nl.ca |
| Wendolyn Schlamp Executive Director YWCA St. John's 709-726-9922, 697-5244 wendolyn@ywcastjohns.ca |
BACKGROUNDER
Young Women in Leadership Sessions
Highlights
The Young Women in Leadership Sessions give young women the opportunity to:
- Explore the gender distribution of local municipal council positions;
- Share insights on priority issues facing Newfoundland and Labrador communities;
- Celebrate and explore what young women are already doing in communities to address key issues;
- Consider why women are underrepresented as leaders in current political systems, examine barriers and options to overcome them;
- Use the knowledge and discussion of the session to communicate with their local representatives (through Twitter, or by writing letters) and/or write letters to local papers;
- Network with local peers and organizations.
Schedule
Interested women aged 16 to 30 are encouraged to contact their local Community Youth Network for details regarding the session in their area.
Date |
Location |
Venue |
Contact |
| August 3 | Placentia | Community Youth Network Placentia | cynplacentia@yahoo.ca |
| August 10 | Plum Point | Plum Point Community Youth Network | cynplumpoint@gmail.com |
| August 12 | Harbour Grace | Harbour Grace Community Youth Network (Splash Centre) | splashcentre@live.ca |
| August 12 | Stephenville | Community Youth Network - Southwestern | vanessaleecis@gmail.com |
| August 18 | St. Lawrence | St. Lawrence Community Youth Network | cynstlawrence@nf.aibn.com |
| August 19 | St. Anthony | St. Anthony & Area Boys & Girls Community Youth Network | communityyouthnetwork@gmail.com |
| August 20 | Grand Falls-Windsor | The Youth 2000 Centre | y2c@live.ca |
| August 21 | Baie Verte | St. Anthony & Area Boys & Girls Community Youth Network | ayscbaieverte@gmail.com |
| August 26 | Harbour Breton | Harbour Breton Community Youth Network | hbcyn@nf.aibn.com |
| August 27 | Bay d�Espoir | Bay d�Espoir Community Youth Network | bdecyn@nf.aibn.com |
| September 9 | Corner Brook | Community Youth Network Corner Brook/Bay of islands | communityyouth.ymca@hotmail.com |
| September 9 | L'Anse au Loup | Southern Labrador/Strait of Belle Isle Community Network | grcyn@nf.aibn.com |
| September 10 | Springdale | Springdale CYN | icecap@nf.aibn.com |
| September 12 | Happy Valley-Goose Bay | Labrador Friendship Center | cynhvgb@gmail.com |
| September 16 | Cape Broyle | CYN � Southern Avalon | moran_nfld@hotmail.com |
| September TBD | Gander | The Open Door Community Youth Network | kimberly.murphy@nfld.net |
| September TBD | Botwood |
Botwood CYN | colleenhayter@nf.aibn.com |
| TBD | St. John�s | CYN St. John�s Inc (Thrive) | acrockwell@thrivecyn.ca |
Past Sessions
| Date | Location | Venue | Contact |
| July 28 | Bonavista | Bonavista Community Youth Network | baynet@eastlink.ca |
2015 08 03 5:10 p.m.