Reflections on politics and gender.

• Author: Redford, Alison
• Position: Essay

This article looks at factors that determine the number of women in politics. It suggests that family influence and role models are important. It also outlines some personal experiences that culminated with the election of Alberta's first female Premier.

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I believe it is our collective duty, as parliamentarians and as Canadians, to strengthen our democratic institutions. This is something I have worked toward, beginning in my pre-government career in many nations where democracy was just taking root and it is something I still strive to do, here in the midst of a country where democracy is something many people take for granted.

Democracy can sometimes shock us with its vigor, especially when it flourishes in countries whose histories are steeped in authoritarianism. But just as often, it can surprise us when it fails to thrive in what had appeared to be fertile ground.

Even in Canada, with a long history of responsible government, we must still work together to strengthen our democratic traditions and institutions. And the best way to accomplish that is to encourage greater participation in the political process. Governments are most effective when they mirror the society they govern. They do not achieve that until every group has the confidence to reach the corridors of power.

Unfortunately too many people who are leaders in their families and their communities are not reflected in decision-making structures. That has to change, particularly when it comes to women, who bring unique perspectives to public policymaking.

My Path

When I first decided to seek the leadership of our party, one of the first questions I was asked was: Is it going to make a difference that you're a woman? I remember saying, "No, it's not. People will take a look at the candidates that are running, and decide which candidates and which party best represent the future of our province." I absolutely believe that is what happened.

Once I became Premier, I was quite surprised by the number of young girls who looked at me in a different way. Well, lots of people looked at me in a different way. But I was struck often, when I went to events, by how many young girls were there. And when I say young, I mean Grade 5 and Grade 6. It really struck me, because that is the age of my daughter.

I had this sense that there was a vacuum--that smart, young girls who were thinking about what they wanted to do in their lives, and what they cared about, and what the...