Calling female candidates

However, the numbers don’t reflect any reluctance on the part of voters to elect female councillors; rather a reluctance by women to seek election.

In the past two shire elections, almost four times as many men as women have stood for election.

But those few women who did stand – 11 out of the total of 51 candidates – were almost twice as successful as their male counterparts.

Next week Gippsland Women’s Health Services will host an information session in Warragul to encourage more women to stand for the council in the October elections.

The event has the support of the council, and several current and former councillors will attend to discuss how to run a campaign and how to be an effective councillor.

Mayor Joe Gauci said the session was not designed to persuade women to stand for the council but to encourage them to consider the possibility and to provide essential information.

“For instance, they may not know that they can seek child care for meeting times.”

He said the council was supporting the session in line with its gender equality policy which was passed last month.

“We are making sure men, women, people with a disability, young people, all feel welcome.”

Two-time councillor Tricia Jones says there are no barriers to success for women councillors.

“I speak to women and say ‘Why don’t you have a go?’

“There just doesn’t seem to be a lot of interest.”

She says the demands of the job may discourage women from nominating for the council.

She estimates she spends about 20 hours a week attending council and committee meetings and workshops, reading reports and responding to requests from residents of her ward.

In spite of the demands of the job, Cr Jones said she would probably seek re-election in October.

“I love being a part of the council. I love helping people. It’s a great opportunity to understand what’s happening in your community.

“I would certainly encourage anyone, women or men, to have a go.”

Victorian Electoral Commission records show that female candidates in the past two elections actually have a much higher success rate than their male candidates.

In 2008, six of the 25 candidates were women and four (66 per cent) were elected, compared with 32 per cent of men.

In 2012, three of the five female candidates (60 per cent) were elected compared with 35 per cent of the male candidates.

The women’s meeting is at Moving Pictures Factory, 1/14 Alfred Street, Warragul, from 6.30-8pm on Thursday, June 30.

Another information meeting for all potential election candidates will be held next month.