Title

Women in Municipal Politics: Barriers to Participation

Author

Carol Down, Western University

Date of Award

7-1-2008

Degree Type

Major Research Paper

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration

Program

Political Science

Supervisor

Agócs, Carol

Geographical Areas

Canada

Abstract

This paper examines the barriers to participation that women face when attempting to enter municipal politics based on a review of the programs and recommendations made by three initiatives that have been developed by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Equal Voice, and the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities to increase the number of women in municipal government. The findings reveal that the barriers to participation can only be removed through major political and cultural changes and the deterrents to equal participation, such as systemic discrimination, sexism, power gender imbalances, and the marginalization of women and minorities, must be addressed in order to move forward.

Recommended Citation

Down, Carol, "Women in Municipal Politics: Barriers to Participation" (2008). MPA Major Research Papers. 70.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/lgp-mrps/70