A new virtual program is looking to get local girls interested in politics.
Girls Inc. of Upper Canada is offering a Girls’ Government Program for teens in Leeds-Grenville, to help them learn about the political system.
Executive Director for Girls Inc. Lesley Hubbard says through this program, young women will be able to engage with others about issues that matter to them, and learn to use their voice to create change.
“This program will help them with understanding how government works and how to use their voice,” Hubbard said. “I think as far as building future voters and candidates, it’s really important for them to have that basic knowledge for how the government works and how they can be involved. Also, just understanding that their voice matters, and their opinion matters.”
Through the program, girls will be introduced to women from a variety of different political backgrounds – federal, provincial and municipal, elected and non-elected roles and affiliated with various parties and ideologies.
Hubbard says while women make up more than half of Canada’s population, they represent less than one-third of our elected MPs.
“Our government needs to be reflective of the society they’re representing,” Hubbard said. “And to do that, we need to get more women involved. Only 29 percent of current MPs are female so, there’s not enough voices there to properly represent the female needs.”
The program also aims to increase knowledge and ultimately engagement in civic life.
Young women in grades 10-12 in Leeds-Grenville are welcome and no previous political knowledge is required.
To register for the program, you can reach out to Girls Inc. of Upper Canada.
All meetings will be held on Zoom starting on April 23, from 3-4:30pm, running weekly through May 28.