Rotary Talks Gender Parity in Public Office with Parity YEG

Kasey Machin, co-founder and Chair of Parity YEG, joined the Rotary Club of Edmonton Whyte Avenue this past Tuesday to talk about the importance of women in public service. Parity YEG is an Edmonton based multi-partisan non-profit working towards gender parity in government. Kasey Machin talked about the importance of governments reflecting their populations and how that leads to better governance. However, she raised some startling facts on how women are currently underrepresented in government - only 25% of elected officials in Canada identify as women. Indeed, only 18% of Edmonton city councillors and 31% of Alberta MLAs identify as women as well.

She also talked about the incredible value of more women holding public office, such as how gender parity helps break stereotypes and ensures everyone has access to the same benefits and opportunities. Kasey then talked about how we can all help, such as asking women in our own lives to run!   

A great presentation, thank you again Kasey Machin for coming to speak to our club!