Mothers still face barriers getting into politics
Empowered Mothers event hopes to inspire moms to raise their voices, while raising their kids
Antiquated attitudes and a lack of affordable childcare are some of the biggest barriers to mothers participating in politics according to the organizer of a Vancouver event designed to help women who'd like to become more politically active.
Erin Arnold says mothers sometimes still get judged with ideas such as "Why aren't you home cooking?"
That's why she helped organize the event Empowered Mothers, hoping to identify the challenges and find solutions to moms becoming politically active.
Arnold has been active in politics for years.
She is with the Single Mothers' Alliance B.C. She is also the president of the NDP's Vancouver-Quadra riding association and a member of the NDP Women's Committee.
But more importantly, she is a mother.
"I try to involve my son in meaningful ways," she said. "I find ways to engage him."
Isolation from community
Single mothers, impoverished mothers and mothers of equity-seeking groups have an even harder time joining the political sphere.
Sammy Jo Rumbaua, a co-organizer of Empowered Mothers and a community activist who ran for the park board on Vision Vancouver's slate, says isolation is an issue for moms.
"It can be difficult to stay in touch with community and news," she said.
"It's the struggle of how to continue to be that voice, when you're trying to raise a tiny little human."
She believes that building a community of mothers will help solve the feeling of being segregated.
Affordable and accessible childcare
Arnold says one of the most effective solutions is providing affordable and accessible childcare.
She supports the $10-a-day childcare campaign by the Coalition of Child Care Advocates.
Arnold adds there are other, creative solutions too.
"For example, we are going to hope that City of Vancouver will consider a daycare subsidy," she said.
"Women who might be engaged at city hall ... maybe, women can apply for the two hours they're at the meeting, to reimburse childcare expenses."
Forty women are confirmed for the event which will be held Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. at Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House on Victoria Drive in Vancouver. Tickets are free and the group is, of course, offering free childcare.
A report will be also produced out of the meeting to document the challenges faced by mothers and potential solutions.