More than 300 young women from across the country will get the chance to peek behind the curtain of federal government.
A group called ‘Equal Voice’ has created a new program in part to celebrate an important milestone for women in this country.
#DYK 2016 marks the 100th anniversary of women’s first right to vote in Canada? #HistoryWeek2016 pic.twitter.com/ucQrsLlJs9
— Canadian Heritage (@CdnHeritage) July 5, 2016
“Daughters of the Vote” is giving an all expenses paid trip to Ottawa to one woman between the ages of 18 and 23 from each riding in Canada.
The women will attend workshops and actually take their seat in the House of Commons.
Co-chair of Equal Voice Nova Scotia, Louise Carbert, says they want to normalize the idea of women in politics.
“Women aren’t encouraged to think of themselves as candidates,” she says, “and they are less likely to seek out the nomination of their own volition.”
Carbert says they’re hoping to inspire women to step into the arena whether or not the ever run.
“The good candidate could be staring you in the face and you just don’t see her.
So, lets open our eyes to the potential of women and ask them and cultivate them as candidates.”
Know a dynamic young woman ages 18 – 23 #FCM2016AC ? Encourage her to apply for #Daughtersofthevote before June 30! pic.twitter.com/Ekb20qViq1
— Equal Voice National (@EqualVoiceCA) June 5, 2016
Charlotte Snair has already caught the bug.
The Lunenburg native is studying history and political science at Acadia University.
She heard about the program from her brother and knew she had to apply.
Snair feels it’s important for everyone to get involved in politics, but says women have a unique perspective to share.
“It’s obviously great to have diversity in politics and we all have different experiences, and some of those experiences are based on our genders,” she says.
She agrees with Carbert that it’s important that women are encouraged to step into leadership rolls.
“I definitely, sometimes, feel a little bit intimidated getting my foot in the door,” she says. “So I think it’s important we empower young men, but especially young women to get involved in these kinds of things.”
Snair isn’t sure yet if she wants to be a politician herself, but she’s excited to explore the opportunity.
Snair is only one of 60 applicants from Nova Scotia.
She’ll won’t find out if she’s made the cut until fall.
