‘People still subconsciously think of politicians as men’

In the current States only eight of 38 deputies are women, and with the election coming up in June, Shelaine Green and Women in Public Life, the group she chairs, are supporting women around the Bailiwick who want to stand for roles in public office.

She told about 150 people who attended the St Pierre Park’s International Women’s Day afternoon tea event yesterday a bit more about what the group of volunteers do, and how they can help women who are wanting to stand in any role of public office from douzenier to deputy and beyond.

‘This is anything from sitting on panels, tribunals and committees to being a douzenier or a deputy,’ she said.

In the lead-up to the election, Women in Public Life is staging some campaign training for women and Shelaine said that so far this has been very well attended.

‘We do evening sessions which so far are going well, we had a training room full, so there are women that are interested,’ she said.

‘It’s been a really good start.’

The training’s main aim is to make women more confident to stand for election.

‘If a woman stands for election, she stands just as much chance as a man, but there are fewer women in these roles because fewer women stand,’ said Shelaine.

‘Women face the usual barriers anyone would face, but as well there is that we are actually really busy with family life and work commitments. Women also don’t get tapped on the shoulder in the same way a man does.

‘People still subconsciously think of politicians as men.

‘As women we also overestimate the skills needed to do a certain job, and underestimate our own skills.

‘This election will be interesting as it is coming after what has been a difficult time for the States, so will be difficult for candidates in general.

‘To anyone wanting to stand in the election, I’d say “go for it, your island needs you”.’

While she has been involved in Women in Public Life, Shelaine said she had noticed an increase in women taking roles in public office.

‘When I started, 20% of douzeniers were women and that has gone to 34% in five years, which is a big increase,’ she said.

‘It does vary between roles though.’

Women in Public Life also helps connections with like-minded women and keeps them updated on politics through its WhatsApp groups.

There are two group chats, ‘Politics – Discussion’ and ‘Politics – Info’. In the Info group chat there will be live updates from the chamber on States meeting days, and in between information on other important events and goings-on.

‘One thing I would encourage someone wanting to stand to do is to sit in on a States meeting and actually see first-hand what goes on,’ said Shelaine.

The discussion group chat is a place where women can share their views and discuss the issues of the day with a like-minded group of local women.

n To find out more about Women in Public Life, please visit womeninpubliclife.gg.