A Delta woman is among a group of 42 diverse females from across B.C. who have been selected as Daughters of the Vote to represent the province in Ottawa on International Women's Day 2017.
Elinor McNamee-Annett, who graduated from the SFU School for International Studies, works at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade where she helps run leadership programs. She is passionate about global issues and empowering youth to be difference makers.
"I really believe in what Equal Voice's mandate is for the project - supporting young women to take their seat in political processes early on, which will lead to a more inclusive government down the line," she said.
In June, Equal Voice launched a national political initiative designed to encourage more young women to become politically engaged. McNamee-Annett said she filled out the online application and was thrilled she was selected.
She said she sees this as an opportunity to get equipped with tools on how she can better promote and support women in politics.
"I think women still face enormous barriers when it comes to politics even just informal politics, let alone running for office," she said. "When you look at the stats it's quite evident that equality for women in politics just doesn't exist. Until we can have open, honest and transparent conversations about gender roles in society and politics, women will continue to face these barriers."
Daughters of the Vote will mark 2017 as the 100th anniversary of some women attaining the right to vote in federal elections as well as celebrate Canada's 150th birthday. On International Women's Day in March 2017, young women from every riding in Canada will gather in Ottawa for a special leadership conference, including a historic moment when the delegates will fill all 338 seats of the House of Commons.
"I think being a part of the discussion is a great first step. I want to bring my local perspective of growing up in Delta, but also my own experiences of study and travel and contribute globally to the discussion," McNamee-Annett said.
Equal Voice is a multipartisan organization dedicated to promoting the election of more women.
