Gender Diversity in Canadian Politics
While many women have made gains in the politics by being elected, Black women have not been so fortunate.
Women are over 50% of Canada’s population and currently comprise less than 30% of the elected official in Canada. 18% are mayors, 29% are in provincial legislatures and 26% are in the House of Commons.
Polling data indicates that women, and in particularly Black women, care about issues differently and as such it is important for them to be represented at the decision making tables.
The United Nations says that being at the decision-making table is essential to the empowerment of women, noting a critical mass of 30% is needed for legislatures to create public policy representing the concerns of Black women.
As more Black women are considering running for political office all over Canada, we need to ensure that their voices are heard and that they are prepared to run a successful campaign and elected to political office.