Campaign to get more women to stand in election
A SOCIAL media campaign designed to inspire and support more women to stand in next year’s general election has been launched by Women in Public Life.
As part of the campaign, which uses the hashtag #WomenStandGsy, the group is running adverts on social media which include interviews with the three female deputies who were elected for the first time in 2020 – Sue Aldwell, Tina Bury and Sasha Kazantseva-Miller. The trio explain why they stood for election, what they have achieved and why they would recommend the role.
In addition, Women In Public Life will give prospective candidates access to an online election resources hub, and will run in-person training sessions in the new year.
Group chairwoman Shelaine Green said that women brought decision-making skills, life experience and personal values to the table, which was why their representation in the States was so important.
‘If a woman stands for election she has just as much chance of success as a man. Guernsey simply needs more women to put themselves forward in the first place and our aim is to encourage that,’ she said.
Currently only eight of the 38 deputies in the States are women, four fewer than in the previous States term from 2016-2020. There were just five women in the States elected in 2012.
Ms Green encouraged women thinking of running to get in touch with Women in Public Life. She said that the group could help a prospective candidate consider whether standing was right for them, get them up to speed on current issues, understand the election process and plan their campaign, as well as give moral support.
‘One of the keys to more women considering standing is high quality, accessible information,’ she said.
‘Women want to know exactly what’s involved, and feel fully prepared to campaign effectively.’
Deputy Kazantseva-Miller said the need for ‘passionate’ islanders who wanted to make a difference to the community was important, due to the potential effect of the States’ decisions on future generations.
Deputy Bury said one positive of her role was being able to help people.
‘Understanding what’s going on in all the nook and crannies of your home is really enlightening,’ she added.
Deputy Aldwell said there was no other job like it.
‘I have access to all kinds of wonderful people that work in our community.
‘The door is open. Stand.’
n More information about the #WomenStandGsy campaign can be found at womeninpubliclife.gg.
