Kelowna

The president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities has announced a two-day workshop in Kelowna next month aimed at helping women overcome obstacles they face while running for municipal office.

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet - File Photo

Mayor Sharon Shepherd will provide a mentorship role at an upcoming workshop for women in politics.

Berry Vrbanovic who is also a councillor in Kitchener, Ontario says the workshop will run in Kelowna September 10 and 11.

While women make up more than 52 per cent of the Canadian population only 25 per cent of elected municipal representatives are women.

Canada ranks 46 out of 189 countries for the number of women in politics.

The workshop is one in a series that FCM is offering in municipalities across the country with funding from the Status of Women Canada.

These workshops provide instruction, networking and mentorship opportunities to women interested in running for municipal office.

"These workshops are an excellent opportunity to address a serious need and I am happy that it could be offered to the resident of Kelowna," says Kelowna Mayor, Sharon Shepherd who will provide a mentorship role.

"This would enhance women's views being presented during a political process."

To register for the seminar visit FCM's website at www.fcm.ca/women.