Women in Guernsey are being encouraged to stand for election, with current female representation at 20%. Women in Public Life (WiPL) emphasizes the need for better representation and equality in the electoral process. They are facilitating a Train to Campaign program to support potential candidates ahead of the June 2025 elections.
Women in Guernsey are being encouraged to consider running for election in the forthcoming electoral process. The voluntary group Women in Public Life (WiPL) highlighted that female representation in the States stands at a mere 20%, notably lower than Jersey’s 43%. Shelaine Green, chair of WiPL, expressed her concern regarding Guernsey’s standing, noting that it ranks just above Saudi Arabia and Turkey in terms of female political representation.
Green cited that if Guernsey were included in the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s ranking of women in national parliaments, it would place 123rd. In contrast, the UK Parliament holds the 26th position with 40.5% female representation. She emphasized that women have equal chances of success when standing for election but encouraged more to come forward to reverse current trends.
To facilitate this, the organization is launching a free Train to Campaign program on March 23, designed to enhance campaigning abilities. Green urged women contemplating candidacy for the June 2025 elections to reach out for guidance. She stated that the organization can assist with understanding the electoral process and developing effective campaign strategies, whilst providing the necessary moral support. “Your island needs you,” she concluded, calling on women to engage in the political process.
In summary, the call for increased female representation in Guernsey’s electoral process is underscored by the efforts of Women in Public Life. The organization aims to support women candidates by providing training and resources to enhance their chances of election. Through initiatives like the Train to Campaign program, WiPL seeks to encourage greater participation among women, emphasizing the importance of their voices in governance. The upcoming elections present an opportunity for women to impact decision-making on the island.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
