MEDIA RELEASE
for Immediate Release

International Women`s Day has local implications

AUMA says time to celebrate the contributions of women in municipal government

(Edmonton, March 5, 2010) The President of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) says International Women’s Day (IWD) March 8 is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the vital contributions of all women in municipal politics, particularly here in Alberta.

Darren Aldous says this year’s IWD on Monday is a time to raise awareness of the need to increase women’s participation in municipal politics for the future of our province, particularly as the October 18 municipal elections draw near.

According to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, only 25 per cent of elected officials in Alberta are women. This is slightly higher than the national average of 21 per cent of female representatives in all of Canada’s municipal, provincial and federal governments.

“This is a number we can improve as we move forward in this election year. Women offer a valuable insight into municipal issues and we all benefit from increasing the diversity of voices around the decision-making table,” says Aldous.

Thousands of events are held throughout the world on IWD annually to inspire women and celebrate their achievements.

Aldous points to the efforts of AUMA`s Women in Municipal Government Committee, which works to raise awareness of the importance of women in municipal government and to strengthen the participation of women in the democratic process.

“I commend the members of AUMA`s Women in Municipal Government Committee for their important work in this area.”

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