REGINA – Saskatchewan joined over 50 communities across North America Saturday, in the screening of a film that encourages girls and young women to see themselves in public leadership roles.
The screening of the film, ‘Raising Ms. President’ fell on October 11, which is the same day as the United Nations’ International Day of the Girl.
“I’ve always loved politics,” explained grade nine student Sydney Hall. “When I was in grade six I met Brad Wall and I was so excited. I already knew his name and like five things about him.”
Hall is a rare find among young women who hope to one day enter the political scene.
“Even in high school you’re kind of scared to say what you want because people might judge you or laugh at you, and it kind of shocked me that I’m the only person here today around my age,” added Hall.
Saskatchewan’s corrections and policing minister, Christine Tell, said the idea of the movie screening was to get girls and young women to question why they don’t consider a career in politics or some form of a public leader.
“If they never think of it when they’re young as a possibility, they likely won’t do it,” she added.
Saskatchewan was one of two provinces to screen the film and was hosted by two of few women in government including MLA Laura Ross.
“In Saskatchewan, we have less than 25 per cent elected to our provincial legislative assembly, so that should be kind of a wake-up call for all of us.”
The film was followed by an interactive town hall from participating locations across North America, which created a dialogue in hopes of sparking a fire in girls and young women to step up.
“If we don’t have any female figures to look at, how are we supposed to make a change?” said Hall. “If you don’t have someone to look at, you kind of have to do it yourself. If not, who will do it?”
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