The Gender Equality Project
Women, two-spirited and gender diverse people are underrepresented in leadership positions in London, which is compounded for BIPOC, disabled, low-income, single mothers, and newcomers. They are often discouraged from engaging from local decision-making due to systemic barriers, such as access to resources, language, media bias, discrimination, family responsibilities, and social isolation. Many, particularly from diverse backgrounds, do not see the issues they care about reflected in political and civic life, and therefore they don't participate.
Creating entry points for folks into civic participation addresses this disconnect and ensures women's voices are heard. Involvement and leadership in community organizations and local politics is a key entry point for those interested as many women do not have the opportunities to build influential networks and to access social and financial capital as men do. They also feel less prepared to run for political office, despite often having strong skills and experience. By increasing opportunities for women to network, learn about political systems, and build their leadership abilities, we increase the likelihood of more women participating in civic and political life in London.
Through this project, we will enable diverse women, two-spirited and gender diverse people to develop a strong awareness of political and civic engagement, to strengthen their leadership skills, and to create plans of action that they can take forward, in whatever it is they decide to do. We will accomplish this through two series of workshops; one on civic engagement, and the other on political engagement. We will also host a campaign school for those interested in running as a candidate or wanting to join a campaign team, as well as a networking opportunity to meet other similarly passionate people.
In the earlier phases of the project, we gathered some feedback from the London community to identify key topics and skills for the workshops, which will be delivered through the winter and into the spring of 2022.
Civic Engagement Workshop Series:
Module 1: Civics 101 - What is civic engagement and the opportunities available
Module 2: Leadership (Joint session with the Political Engagement Series) - Leadership skills, diversity training, teamwork and resolving conflict, confidence and self-care
Module 3: Creating Change - Hear from active leaders about their experiences, and ask your questions too!
Political Engagement Series & Events:
Module 1: Politics 101 - What does it mean to be politically engaged, the opportunities available and how to find them
Module 2: Leadership (Joint session with the Civic Engagement Series) - Leadership skills, diversity training, teamwork, confidence and self-care
Module 3: Creating Change - Learn how you can take action on the issues you care about. We will discuss letter writing campaigns, protests, speaking at committees and other tools for change.
Campaign School: For those interested in volunteering on a campaign or running as a political candidate. We will cover essential skills such as campaigning, creating a pitch, canvassing, etc.
Networking Event: We will be hosting a panel discussion, followed by breakout discussions to network and ask advice of other leaders in your community.
If you would be interested in collaborating on this project or have any questions, please contact Project Coordinator, Kayley MacGregor at kmacgre5@uwo.ca.
The Fund for Gender Equality is supported by a collaboration between Community Foundations of Canada and the Equality Fund, with support from the Government of Canada.
Le Fonds pour l’égalité des genres est soutenu par une collaboration entre Fondations communautaires du Canada et le Fonds Égalité, avec l’appui du gouvernement du Canada.