Value of gender equality

I read with surprise Ms. McInnis’s response to your editorial on gender inequality in politics. (Residents should cast vote based on views, work ethic and being a strong voice, rather than gender, The Guardian, Oct. 22).

I was disappointed to read such a dismissive submission regarding the value of gender equality. Women represent half of the world’s population; yet representation in politics is typically less than 20 per cent. In many of the world’s countries, females are denied basic human rights such as education and the right to vote.

According to Oxfam Canada, more than a billion people live in poverty and gender is the main predictor of poverty and illiteracy. Women continue to earn an average 75 per cent of males who do the same job. Women are less likely to be landowners. One in three women are victims of violence or sexual abuse.

Why does this matter in something as trivial as municipal politics you ask? Well, many of these global issues are still visible down to local levels of governance. For a glaring example, look at our homeless population.

For men, we have “Bedford MacDonald House”; however, I’ve never heard of a homeless shelter for women.

The fact that we require services such as Anderson House for female victims of violence tells us we have work to do.

Working toward gender equality is critical to a healthy society where decisions promote the health and well-being of everyone. It’s not been that long since women didn’t “belong” in politics. I prefer to see men and women jointly shape policies, decisions, and infrastructure necessary to see our vibrant city and province thrive for everyone.

Further, seeing women in leadership roles motivates our young women to realize their potential.

As a girl, it was strong women like Bertha Wilson and Jeanne Sauve that made me believe I can be anything I want.

I do respect Ms. McInnis’s right to vote for her preferred candidate; however, wish to remind her that her voting rights were afforded to her women fought tirelessly for that right.

It’s disappointing to see one dismiss a subject of such importance because of a personal matter with a candidate who coincidentally is a woman.

GUARDIAN FILE PHOTO Jillian Kilfoil, executive director of Women’s Network P.E.I., suggests companies avail themselves of the services of gender experts to navigate the dynamics of workplace interactions in a post-#MeToo world.