City hosts launch of documentary for youth – encouraging young women’s participation in politics and civic life

The City of Calgary is proud to be one of three Canadian cities promoting the launch of a documentary that encourages young women’s participation in politics and civic engagement. 25% - A Documentary, was created by the City of London and features London students and politicians from across the country. The event will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014 at 9 a.m. at the Cineplex Odeon Theatre - Eau Claire Market, 200 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary.

The City of London created the video as part of its participation in the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ (FCM’s) Head Start for Young Women Program, which aims to support young women and municipal councillors to work together to create more space for young women in local government.

“We made this documentary to encourage more women to add their voice to the political conversation,” says Joni Baechler, City of London Mayor. “We need more of their voices at all levels of government to give us greater and broader perspective at the decision-making tables.”

“We need to make sure as a community, that those bright young women, with that passion to serve and that passion for the community, don’t have that flame extinguished,” says Mayor Naheed Nenshi on the film.

The United Nations states that the active participation of women on equal terms with men at all levels of decision-making is essential to the achievement of equality, sustainable development, peace and democracy. Only 25% of elected officials in Canada are women which is below the 30% minimum standard for representation by women in democratic governments set by the United Nations.

The screening of the 35-minute documentary will be followed by a panel conversation and networking opportunity. Panellists include City of Calgary Councillors Druh Farrell and Brian Pincott, London Mayor Joni Baechler, and the documentary’s director Adam Caplan of web.isod.es.

Media are invited to attend the opening reception and screening which begins at 9 a.m.  A media availability will be held with panellists at 11:30 a.m. following the panel discussion. Mayor Joni Baechler is also available for interviews Sunday, Oct. 19 and Monday, Oct. 20 prior to the event.

The event is free and open to the public by registering online. For more information visit www.25percent.ca.

This is a non-partisan, campaign-free event.

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Media Spokesperson
Mayor Joni Baechler
City of London