Opinion: It’s not women who need to improve themselves; it’s all candidates who need to clear the bar. It’s not women who have failed to stand; it’s parties who have failed to recruit them — and it’s men who have failed to stand aside.
from the “old boys’ clubs” that dominate political parties, they lack connections with the right power brokers. They don’t have insider knowledge about the nuts and bolts of campaigning.In Canada, like most other democracies, political parties are the gatekeepers to elected office. That Canadian men get the lion’s share of candidacies and parliamentary seats comes down to how parties recruit candidates.
All this does not imply that women’s campaign schools should fold up shop. But those encouraging more women to run need to flip the script. It’s not women who need to improve themselves; it’s all candidates who need to clear the bar. It’s not women who have failed to stand; it’s parties who have failed to recruit them — and it’s men who have failed to stand aside.
Jennifer M. Piscopo is associate professor of politics and director of the Center for Research and Scholarship at Occidental College in Los Angeles. Her work on women and elections is featured widely in academic and popular outlets. @Jennpiscopo
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Free workshop for women interested in municipal elections coming to Summerside Sept. 10 | SaltWire“Women bring a great perspective to the table. I encourage women to participate in the Campaign School and put their name forward for municipal election,” said Debbie Johnston, Federation of P.E.I. Municipalities board member.
Read more »
Canadian men lose to France, women down China at Rugby World Cup SevensCAPE TOWN, South Africa — Canada opened men’s play at the Rugby World Sevens with a 31\u002D7 win over Zimbabwe on Friday but fell out of the championship side of…
Read more »
'Women Talking': How cinematography shows the story of abuse and recoveryCanadian cinematographer Luc Montpellier says portraying abuse and recovery in the highly anticipated film 'Women Talking' required a thoughtful approach, using lighting, colour and different screen formats to show the 'seismic shift' such abuses can create in communities.
Read more »
Provinces that don't screen women in their 40s, have higher rates of advanced breast cancersThe cancersociety estimates 28,600 Canadian women will be diagnosed with BreastCancer. - via healthing_ca HealthNews WomensHealth Mammography
Read more »
Provinces that don't screen women in their 40s, have higher rates of advanced breast cancersThe cancersociety estimates 28,600 Canadian women will be diagnosed with BreastCancer. - via healthing_ca HealthNews WomensHealth Mammography
Read more »
Breast cancer study reveals bleak picture, urgent need to update Canada's screening guidelinesJennie Dale: A new study reveals that provinces that do not screen women in their 40s, have higher rates of advanced breast cancers in women diagnosed in their 40s and 50s cdnpoli What it will take for the Canadian government to act? (subs)
Read more »