Ep. 2: They got asked... a lot

The Confluence

In this week's episode, we're joined by Ask Her board member Sarah Elder-Chamanara, former Calgary alderwoman Gael MacLeod, and Minister for the Status of Women Stephanie McLean to discuss why so few women run for public office, the discrimination they face, and ongoing efforts to boost the number of females on the ballot in Calgary's fall election. Women, on average, hold about a quarter of elected seats in municipal politics. The 2013 municipal elections saw just 490 women elected to office across the province, compared to 1,384 men. That same year, only 10 women ran for a spot on Calgary city council, and only two — Druh Farrell and Diane Colley-Urquhart — were successful. Ask Her, a non-partisan organization, launched last year with a goal to have at least 20 women run for council October 16 by spreading awareness and offering candidates tools, including financial support. Hosts Annalise Klingbeil and Trevor Howell also dissect Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot's first mayoral campaign fundraiser held late last month and how he hopes to take advantage of Mayor Naheed Nenshi's sagging poll numbers.