Women in Guernsey are being urged to stand for election as current representation in government is only 20%. The organization Women in Public Life calls for increased female participation, noting Guernsey’s low ranking in global comparisons. A Train to Campaign program is being offered to support potential candidates ahead of the June 2025 elections.
In Guernsey, women are being actively encouraged to stand for election as the upcoming election approaches. The voluntary group Women in Public Life (WiPL) highlights that female representation in the States currently stands at approximately 20%, a figure significantly lower than Jersey’s 43%. Shelaine Green, the chair of WiPL, expressed concern over Guernsey’s position, noting it ranks just above Saudi Arabia and Turkey regarding female government representation.
Green remarked on the urgency for improved representation, emphasizing that without it, women’s voices and experiences will not influence critical decisions affecting the island. She stated that, if considered in global terms, Guernsey would be ranked 123rd by the Inter-Parliamentary Union for the percentage of women in national parliaments. This compares unfavorably to the UK Parliament’s 40.5% representation in 26th place.
The chair of WiPL also asserted that women running for election have equal chances of success as men, highlighting the need for more women to step forward. To support this initiative, WiPL is launching a free Train to Campaign program on 23 March, aimed at enhancing women’s campaigning skills.
Green encourages potential candidates to reach out if they are considering running in June 2025, offering assistance in understanding current issues, navigating the election process, and developing campaign strategies, stating that “your island needs you.”
The call for increased female participation in Guernsey’s elections is an urgent matter, with Women in Public Life advocating for enhanced representation. With current statistics showing a mere 20% of women in the States, initiatives like the Train to Campaign program are crucial in empowering potential candidates. Greater representation is essential for ensuring that women’s voices are heard in decision-making processes. Ultimately, WiPL urges women to step forward and contribute to shaping the future of their island.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
