Reminder – March 8 International Women’s Day Virtual Gathering
In recognition of International Women’s Day, AUMA will host a virtual gathering from 12 - 1 p.m. on March 8. Register for the event here.
The theme of this year’s international event is #ChooseToChallenge, with a focus on calling out gender bias and inequality while also celebrating women’s achievements. This is a fitting theme as women consider challenging for the 2021 municipal elections in Alberta. Join a discussion on the barriers women have faced in participating in the democratic process, along with tools geared toward helping women run for office and challenge online abuse.
The gathering will be moderated by Charlene Smylie, who has served as mayor of the Village of Wabamun and on AUMA’s Board. Charlene will be joined by Amber Paquette, a Métis multi-disciplinary artist, filmmaker and Indigenous People's interpreter, who is currently serving as Edmonton’s Historian Laureate, to discuss the complex history of women’s participation in local democracy in Alberta. In addition, Kasey Machin, cofounder of Areto Labs, will share information on ParityBOT, an initiative and resource that quantifies and counters online abuse of women in politics. A campaign toolkit developed by ParityYEG that can help candidates throughout Alberta will also be profiled.
AUMA staff are also updating the content on the Women in Municipal Government Hub and exploring other opportunities to profile municipalities and organizations that are working to increase diversity in local government
We welcome your ideas, stories, or feedback for how we can better promote and support women in local government. Feedback can be sent to advocacy [at] auma.ca.
