Leadership féminin Prescott-Russell (LFPR) has announced two leadership initiatives aimed at empowering women to affect their community. Free information sessions will be held for women thinking of entering politics, and a new matching platform will help connect talented candidates with organizations in need of motivated and community-minded administrators. Both initiatives will help equip Franco-Ontarian women with the tools and connections they need to make a real difference in the community. 

« There are currently 11 women on all municipal councils in Prescott-Russell, compared to 41 men,” said Marie-Noëlle Lanthier, president of LFPR and a councillor for The Nation Municipality. “It is important that the various decision-making tables represent the population as a whole and that everyone’s perspectives are taken into account in the development of our communities. It’s only natural. » 

The political information sessions are a way to encourage women to enter politics ahead of the October 24 municipal elections. Women represent only 21 per cent of elected officials in the municipalities of Prescott-Russell despite making up 51 per cent of the population. These virtual sessions will teach attendees about the municipal system, the roles and responsibilities of elected officials, and how to run a successful election campaign. Those interested should email leadershipfemininpr@gmail.com for more information. 

The matching platform is a way to increase the presence of women at decision-making tables in the region. The LFPR will match talented women candidates with organizations looking for motivated and community-minded administrators. Organizations looks to fill out their board of directors and women interested in joining a board are invited to register on http://www.ToutesEnFaveur.com/ for free.