Southeastern Manitoba is lagging behind the rest of the province when it comes to the number of women elected to municipal councils. Only 14 of the 85 people elected in our region last Wednesday were women, or 16.5 per cent. The provincial average is 20 per cent.

Cari PennerCari Penner served on Steinbach city council for 14 years and did not run for re-election this year. She thinks there are a few reasons why so few women in our region are running for municipal council.

"The problem for women is that it's not winning the electoral races, it's deciding to make the bid for office, that's where the real issue comes in. And, it really starts in childhood because parental encouragement, even when children are young, to consider running for office in the future, is very important."

Penner adds another barrier is lack of political confidence.

"Women don't think they will be qualified enough to run for office and there is some self-doubt. One of the things that happened to me in my political life, that kind of started it all off, is a friend just saying; Why don't you consider running? It encouraged me and allowed me to think that yes, I could do this."

And she adds there are also cultural and religious reasons that hold some women back. Penner believes girls should be encouraged from a young age to pursue leadership.

In Ste. Anne, two of the five members of council are women. That's 40 per cent and double the 20 per cent provincial average. Ginette

Ginette GagnonGagnon, one of two women on Ste. Anne town council, says, for her, it has been a steady progression of service.

"There has always been a passion in me since I was a teenager, a great passion for the town, always volunteering and involved with committees. I was just drawn to becoming a councillor."

Gagnon adds that there have been some tremendous female role models in Ste. Anne.

"It's obvious that the Town of Ste. Anne produces strong women, it's just a great environment. Since my childhood, I was surrounded with great leaders who were women, whether they were teachers, or entrepreneurs or business people or even councillors. Back then, the women, they were all around us and all my life, I have been blessed to have known great, independent, strong leader-women."

Susan PennerMeanwhile, Susan Penner, who was just elected to a third term on Steinbach city council says she is surprised that there were only two female candidates on the ballot in Steinbach this year but is hopeful that will change for the next election, adding women bring an important perspective to the table.