Candidates Forum Focuses on Women’s Issues

1st November 2011

Women’s issues will be at the forefront of a Wellington candidates forum being held this Tuesday 8th November. ‘Ladies in The House’ will give voters an opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics with candidates, including the gender pay gap, abortion and sexual health, marriage and adoption, domestic violence and any other issues candidates and voters feel are important to female voters. Organisers also anticipate discussion of the lack of female representatives in parliament and the implications of the upcoming electoral system referendum on this disparity.

“Women’s issues are everyone’s issues” co-organiser Tania Sawicki Mead says. “This forum should help them to become election issues as well. We are excited to be providing and opportunity for these topics to take center stage in discussions between candidates and voters.”

The event is organised by the Wellington Young Feminists’ Collective, an active social group of over 1000 members, which aims to encourage discussion and action on feminist issues in Wellington. “We hope to stimulate voter interest in the 2011 general election amongst Wellington women, particularly young female voters, as well as facilitating an enjoyable and participatory evening for all,” co-organiser Diane White says.

The forum will feature candidates from the major parties and many of the smaller ones as well. Candidates participating include:
Paul Foster-Bell (National Party Candidate for Wellington Central)
Jordan Carter (Labour Party List Candidate)
Stephen Whittington (ACT Party Candidate for Wellington Central)
Holly Walker (Green Party Candidate for Hutt South)
Jan Logie (Green Party Candidate for Mana)
Brent Pierson (NZ First Candidate for Rongotai)
Marise Bishop (NZ First Director, Chairperson for Mana Electorate)

The forum will run from 6.00-7.30pm on Level 1, Mezzanine floor, Wellington Central Library and will be followed by drinks and light refreshments for koha. Attendees who are interested in discussing these issues further are encouraged to continue their conversations with the WYFC at the 3C bar on Chews Lane.

More information can be found at http://wellingtonyoungfeministstumblr.com

ENDS

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