Elect More Women- Hamiltonian profile

Organizations such as The Hamilton Civic League (HCL) and Elect More Women (EMW), are important change agents on the Hamilton Municipal scene. Maximizing voter turn out and providing more choices in candidates running for office, are, in my view, pivotal components of transforming our city.

I was thus extremly pleased when Kelly Hayes of Elect More Women  agreed to appear on The Hamiltonian. I strongly encourage Hamiltonians to lend their support to EMW the HCL and like causes.

Picture -Denise Doyle, Caitlin Maclennan, and Kelly Hayes

1. Can you tell me about your organization "Elect More Women". Who is involved, what are your goals and what inspired you to start this venture?


Elect More Women (EMW) is a grassroots organization that was formed in 2006. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities and Hamilton Status of Women Committee organized a forum on women and politics, where former and current female politicians shared their experiences and wisdom. Out of that discussion forum, EMW was born. We are non-partisan, and therefore made up of women from various political affiliations. Our goal is to empower and educate women to run in elections or assist in election campaigns. We provide resources, support and education in the form of workshops, conferences and materials. We encourage all women interested in becoming more involved in the political process to join us. Whether you are considering becoming a candidate, or would be interested in volunteering on an election campaign, there is room for you at EMW.

Canada is currently ranked 46th out of 189 countries in numbers of women elected to national parliaments. We are trailing behind such countries as Uganda, India, and Afghanistan. Overall in Canada, women make up 52% of the population, but hold only 21% of seats in municipal, provincial and federal government. In Hamilton specifically, women only hold 12.5% of the seats on municipal council - way below the national average. These numbers are quite shocking and women in Hamilton have taken the initiative to do something about this.

2. Is your focus on municipal politics, or is your focus across all levels of the political spectrum?

The skills, resources, and support offered from Elect More Women can be used at all levels. Currently though, our focus is on the municipal level given that elections are less than a year away.

3. How can people become involved? How can people help?

There are many ways women can become involved. We are always looking for women to assist with EMW. If you have experience as a volunteer in campaigns that you would like to share, we welcome your knowledge. Perhaps you are interested in assisting with the organizing of our workshops, or our annual conference.

Ultimately, any women who feel passionately about the political process and empowering women to become more involved are welcome! Or perhaps a woman knows very little about the political process but is interested in learning more - come and join us!

Please email electmorewomen@yahoo.ca to contact us and be added to our mailing list.

4. Why do you think that historically, at least at the municipal level in Hamilton, that gender balancing in terms of representation, has never been given much attention?

There have been other initiatives in past years to encourage more women to run for elected office including past campaigns spearheaded by City of Hamilton Status of Women Committees and other political parties however the work was usually done prior to campaigns and no ongoing education was available.

I think the issue is garnering more attention today due to increased advocacy efforts from national women's organizations including YWCA Canada and Equal Voice. In addition, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities as set a goal of electing 30% women candidates by 2026. Based on current statistics, Canada would need 2,120 more women in elected office today to reach the 30 per cent target. That means increasing the number of women in municipal government by roughly 100 every year for the next 20 years. In Hamilton, we need to elect 5 women to meet the target and we hope that we can inspire at least 5 women to run in the next municipal election.


5. What benefits will gender balance in political representation deliver?

There are many benefits to gender balance in political seats. Studies of countries with at least 30% women in elected seats (United Nations research has found that a critical mass of about 30 percent women in elected seats is needed to affect policy and alter how political institutions function) fund public child care and eldercare, and offer more support for families. They also invest more money in health care, water, and infrastructure. Women bring different priorities to the table, like minimum wage increases, flexible working hours, and other factors affecting poverty. 

 Having gender balance also sets an example and brings mentors to girls and young women. When we see ourselves reflected in government, we are more likely to become involved by voting, volunteering, or running for a seat. It is important that girls and young women see politics as an option for their future.

Thank-you Denise, Caitlin and Kelly for your efforts. For more information and offerings, download their flyer here