Opinion
Women in politics still facing challenges not shared by men
By Nancy Peckford Aug. 29, 2016
Relentless social media attacks, an overwhelming workload, and heightened public scrutiny that disproportionately regards the missteps of female politicians as 'personal failings' and reflective of fundamental character flaws are some of the reasons women opt to stay away.
While the emergence of female provincial leaders such as Alberta Premier Rachel Notley shows progress, women who enter politics still face harsher treatment than their male colleagues, writes Nancy Peckford. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright
OTTAWA—On the eve of the 100th anniversary of some women in Canada gaining the federal franchise in 1917, women in Canada are enjoying newfound success and power in politics. Despite the fact that elected women are often held to higher performance standards, endure rampant online bullying, and "everyday sexism" at work, progress is nonetheless discernible. Particularly encouraging was the appointment of a gender-balanced federal cabinet last fall, a first in Canada's history. Though men still outnumber women in the House
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