Partners Research Women's Political Involvement

Nova Scotia women will be asked about their involvement in municipal government decision-making during focus group sessions taking place until July 19.

Researchers for the Women in Local Government project will meet with elected women, women who work for municipalities and female community leaders across Nova Scotia to ask why they got involved in municipal government or what keeps them from participating. The project is a partnership of the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities (UNSM) and the YWCA of Halifax, with support from Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

"When governments reflect the communities they serve, they are more responsive and more relevant," said Anna Allen, chair of the Women in Local Government steering committee. "Governments need more involvement by women and women need more of a voice in decision-making. This research will show us what changes will move Nova Scotia municipalities to where we all want to be."

Nova Scotia is lagging behind other provinces and the world in efforts to encourage women's participation in municipal decision-making. The research on the nature and extent of women's involvement in municipal government will contribute to a report and recommendations to the UNSM in October.

Six focus group sessions will be held throughout the province. The researchers are working to locate women who can provide diverse perspectives, particularly women who are active in their communities but who do not take part in politics or municipal consultations.

The following sessions begin at 9 a.m. and end at noon:

• Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, June 23
• Liverpool Trinity Anglican Church Parish Hall, July 6
• Dartmouth North Community Centre, Halifax Regional Municipality, July 7

The following sessions begin at 1 p.m. and end at 4 p.m.:

• Keshen Goodman Public Library, Halifax Regional Municipality, July 8
• Truro Fire Hall, July 14
• Digby Fire Station, July 19

For more information or to participate in a focus group, contact Kristel vom Scheidt at least three days before the session at 902-490-4174 or by e-mail to vomschk@halifax.ca .