Women, your island needs you!

Tuesday 22 January 2019

There have only been 44 female States Members over the past 100 years... and one local campaign group want to ensure the upcoming St. Helier by-election gives rise to a 45th.

Women in Politics - a group which aims to increase female participation in politics, including standing for election, supporting others and making their voice heard on important issues - is calling on local women to take a stand and help make the States more diverse.

The by-election for St. Helier District 3/4 will be held on 27 February to fill the vacancy left following the death of Deputy Richard Rondel last November.

Eight candidates have already declared their candidacy, including some of last year's elections unlucky candidates, as well as a civil servant standing on behalf of Reform Jersey, and the chairman of a local pressure group. 

Pictured: The election for a new Deputy for St. Helier districts 3 and 4 will take place on 27 February.

With three women having declared so far, Women in Politics is hoping to convince more ahead of the nomination meeting on 29 January. "In the centenary of the year that some women in Jersey finally gained the right to vote, our mission seems all the more relevant and important – especially as women are still significantly under-represented in the States Assembly," the group said.

They added that if local women have lots to say about what they love about Jersey and want to protect, what they would like to change in the way the island is governed and run by the States Assembly or if they feel their their is not being heard, they should stand for election.

"You don’t have to have experience in politics, live in St. Helier or be Jersey-born to put yourself forward as a candidate for the by-election," the group said. Potential candidates can also contact Women in Politics for help and support. The group says they could help find them a mentor, "demystify the election process" and offer practical advice about door-knocks and leaflet drops. 

The group says that its mission is not just about having more female politicians - "although with women being around 50% of the population it feels like an important place for us to start," they admitted. For Women in Politics, a more diverse States Assembly would benefit all islanders. "Diversity of all kinds amongst our States Members is essential if we want to have a good understanding of the experiences, needs and of what is important to all sections of our community," the group said.

"Greater diversity and inclusion also leads to fresh perspectives, new ideas and better solutions and decision making. This is becoming increasingly important if we want Jersey to thrive in an uncertain and shifting political and economic landscape."