With just eight months left before Guernsey goes to the polls, Women in Public Life is stepping up its efforts to inspire and support more women to stand for election as a People’s Deputy.
In its new #WomenStandGsy campaign, the group is running ads on social media focused on the positives of being a States member. These are based on video interviews with the three women who were first elected in 2020 – Deputy Sue Aldwell, Deputy Tina Bury and Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller.
Chair, Shelaine Green, said: “Yes, your skills are important in decision making, but you also bring your life experience and your personal values to the table – that’s why representation is so important. Currently only eight of the 38 Deputies in the States are women and this doesn’t reflect our population at all.
“If a woman stands for election she has just as much chance of success as a man. Guernsey simply needs more women to put themselves forward in the first place and our aim is to encourage that.
“If you’re a woman thinking of standing in June 2025, talk to us. We can help you think through whether it’s right for you and help you get up to speed on current issues, understand the election process and plan your campaign. And give you moral support – your island needs you.”
In the videos, the three Deputies explain why they stood for election, what they’ve achieved and why they would recommend the role.
“We are making decisions that could affect my children, your children, their grandchildren for years and decades to come,” said Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller.
“We really need passionate islanders who want to make a difference to our community to stand for election.”
For Deputy Tina Bury, one positive of being a Deputy is that you get to help people. She added: “Understanding what’s going on in all the nook and crannies of your home is really enlightening.”
Deputy Sue Aldwell said: “I have access to all kinds of wonderful people that work in our community. I would say that there was no other job like it. The door is open. Stand.”
Women in Public Life will give prospective candidates access to an online election resources hub and run in-person training sessions in the new year.
Shelaine explained: “One of the keys to more women considering standing is high quality, accessible information. Women wants to know exactly what’s involved and to feel fully prepared to campaign effectively.”
Women in Public Life is also looking to inspire people who don’t want to stand themselves but instead are keen to volunteer to support women considering putting themselves forward.
Shelaine said: “Offering your support to a woman who is considering standing is a fantastic way to play your part in encouraging more balance in the States.
“There are all sorts of ways you could help. You could check her draft manifesto for typos, or help her practice answering hustings questions, or do something to free up her time so she can concentrate on planning her campaign. All the resources and training we’ve put together will also be useful to volunteers too.”
Pictured: Left to right – Deputy Sue Aldwell, Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, Deputy Tina Bury