OPINION:

As the results of our recent local council elections come in, a historic shift is taking place. With five women already confirmed in their positions and the remaining four seats likely to go to men, it is clear that women will hold the majority on our council. This moment invites us to reflect on how far we have come since 1977, when Margaret Atkinson was the only woman on the ballot.

Margaret, though not elected, stood for something significant: the representation of women’s views on the council, a seat that had been vacant for women since 1950. Today, that gap is being filled in a powerful way. But if Margaret were here now, I would ask her if her platform was designed to appeal to the 50% of the population – women – who were not represented at the time. While she likely cared about many of the same community issues as her male counterparts, her push for women’s representation set her apart. It is a reminder that the struggles for equality in representation have always been intertwined with broader community.

 What does this shift mean for our region?

This change raises some important questions about the evolving role of women in politics. What does it say about how society’s attitudes have changed? Are voters today more supportive of female leadership, looking beyond gender to focus on the quality of a candidate’s ideas and actions?

With women now holding the balance of power, the dynamics within the council could shift. Will this bring about new approaches to governance, with a focus on more collaborative or inclusive practices? What will this majority mean for policy priorities and leadership styles moving forward?

The rise of women in politics is not just about numbers; it is about the changing values of our community. From Margaret Atkinson’s lone voice in 1977 to the majority female leadership we have today, this is a moment to celebrate progress and reflect on how far we have come. What do you think this means for our region, and what lessons can we carry forward?

This is a conversation worth continuing as we look towards a more inclusive and representative future.