Rosemary Speirs has made it her mission to get as many women into politics as she can.

The former U of T alumnus was recently chosen as the YWCA’s 2006 Woman of Distinction for Civic Engagement. The YWCA, an organization whose stated mission is “to empower women”, annually pays tribute to women’s contributions to their community through the Distinction awards.

A distinguished journalist by profession, Speirs has used her integrity in the field to pressure political parties into fairer treatment of women. She hopes to see the current electoral process reformed into a system of proportional representation that gives women an equal shot at success in politics. Speirs has spent years tirelessly campaigning for more female participation in Canadian politics. To this end, she In early 2001, she formed the action group Equal Voice in 2001, whichwhich to drawss public attention to the lack of women in Parliament and works to reform that. The multi-partisan group consists of more than 700 men and women from every province.

A distinguished journalist by profession, Speirs has used her integrity in the field to pressure political parties into fairer treatment of women. She hopes to see the current electoral process reformed into a system of proportional representation that gives women an equal shot at success in politics.

Speirs spoke to the Varsity about her award, her work and the future of women in Canadian politics.

The Varsity: How does it feel to be awarded the YWCA Toronto Woman of Distinction Award?

Rosemary Speirs: It’s a great honour. I’m thrilled.

V: You have been a champion for female representation in politics for many years. How did you first become aware of this issue?

RS: When I was a journalist at Queen’s Park, I wrote a column for the Toronto Star. I attended the Ontario Press Gallery in Ottawa…the Parliamentary gallery. I’d see lots of men, few women. This was around the mid-1970s.

V: What are some of the biggest obstacles you have faced trying to put more women in politics?

RS: We see political parties as obstacles. Getting nominated is difficult; there are so many money politics. The nomination process in ridings, the decisions that are made, these are hard for women. Even if a woman wants to be nominated, she still ends up with only 20 per cent of the votes.

V: Do you think a lot of women resist the idea of going into politics?

RS: I don’t believe women don’t want to run because if you look at other countries, there’s proof that women are enthusiastic about politics. But women here face barriers like the media, which makes the process look too rough.

V: How will more female representation help other underrepresented Canadians?

RS: Electoral reform will firstly benefit women and then other people. Lowering the money barriers that stand in the way will make it easier for people of other communities besides women to have a say in politics.

V: How do you want Equal Voice to impact Canadian politics ten years from now?

RS: [Laughs] I hope we won’t be here 10 years from now! I hope there will be more women [in politics] by that time. If we do a timeline to the present, it will take another four generations before we have a more effective political system. Women make up 52 per cent of the population. They’re more interested in social programs than men are. An electoral reform would involve parties electing more women.

V: What changes do you think have already been made thanks to Equal Voice?

RS: Not enough. In 5 years, the percentage of women elected has not improved. The numbers aren’t good, so it’s important to raise public awareness.

V: Aside from the Canadian electoral system, why do you think so few women are involved in politics compared to men?

RS: Lots of women want to run but are turned away or get no support from their party. Women in the last federal elections were actually discouraged. ** she kind of gives a similar answer that blames the parties to an earlier question, so you could scrap this question.

V: What are some of the most memorable issues you have covered as a journalist?

RS: I started as a labour reporter…Hmm. Ontario’s decision to have Medicare when it was announced at Queen’s Park because it was a landmark for us. The constitutional debate, the referendum in Quebec. Social/environmental issues. In high school, I wrote telegrams and then in university, the Varsity. I remember covering the anti-war movement. That was the big issue in those days. People say young people aren’t engaged [in their society], but I say they are! For my generation, it was anti-war protests. Today, it’s nuclear disarmament. There are different issues for different generations, but youth always participate. I started writing in high school, then on to the Varsity. I remember covering the anti-war movement. When people say young people aren’t engaged [in their society], I say they are! Look at the people involved in nuclear disarmament…there are different issues for different generations, but youth always participate.

V: What section did you write for at the Varsity?

RS: I wrote the weekend review in the early ’60s. Is that still around?

V: No. What advice can you offer young women aspiring to a career in journalism? In politics? Do you think women face similar challenges in these two fields?

RS: There are lots of women in journalism, not as much in political journalism. I say, if you’re interested, go do it. There’s no limit. Same with politics: go for it! Don’t pay attention to the lack of women, just go for it.