Testimonials from 2023 Women in the House cohort

I learned that life as a women MP does not come without challenges and that although it can be draining, it is also extremely fulfilling to be in a position where your constituents believe in you to help. My key takeaway is that good intentions will take you a long way. Both of the women I shadowed did not aspire to a life as an MP; however, it was their dedication to create better lives for their constituents and the people of Canada that pushed them into the roles. Thank you for letting me be part of such a life-changing experience, my gratitude is endless to this program and the MPs I was lucky enough to shadow. 

- Jamila Emmanuel (Politics and Governance)

During one of our weekly Women In The House classes, we had Chi Nguyen, the Executive Director of Equal Voice, come and share her inspiring journey as a former political candidate and current non-profit leader. The following week, I was thrilled to receive an invitation to speak at Equal Voice's International Women's Day reception, which was happening during our class trip to Ottawa. I had worked with Equal Voice in the past and was a huge supporter of their work to support women running for leadership positions. In my address to guests at the reception, I used my time to call out the visible polarization on the legislative floor, as well as share my vision for more collaboration and increased equity and diversity in Canadian politics. Having the opportunity to visit Ottawa and meet with non-profit leaders, NGOs, senators, and MPs from various parties, was truly an enriching and empowering experience. The WiTH Ottawa trip was the trip of a lifetime, and one that gave our class the opportunity to build relationships with powerful allies, gain the confidence we need to pursue a career in politics, and the ability to foster a safe and supportive space with like-minded women that will continue to celebrate each other's successes on our journeys to power. 

- Kristina Kisin (Politics and Governance)

This program is not simply an in-class learning experience as it engages students in firsthand encounters with political activists, facilitates rich and meaningful discussions, and fosters a supportive and diverse learning atmosphere. Our trip to Ottawa was a key example of how this program reflects these values and has granted me lifelong wisdom beyond the classroom walls. On a personal level, this trip could be described in many ways: life-changing, extraordinary, incredible, unimaginable, and most importantly, transformative. Before the trip, I often felt inadequate in presenting myself to people in positions of power because I am a timid individual. Overall, I am beyond grateful and ecstatic that I have been able to participate in Women in the House, as this experience will motivate my future endeavours. 

- Sarah Hnatkivskyy (Criminology)

As a Master of Public Policy Student who hopes to contribute one day to developing equitable long-term care policies, I found this experience excellent. Discussing the gaps within current long-term care policy with the Minister of Seniors allowed me to understand first-hand the vitalness of collaboration among jurisdictional actors to develop essential healthcare policies for senior populations. When I reflect more personally, I thought Minister Khera’s discussion of being a woman within a male-dominated environment was an intensely valued moment for me.  As a young woman starting out in politics you often never have the chance to sit down with such strong women leaders and discuss so openly how we as women are the elephant in the room.

- Savannah Brough (Master in Public Policy and Administration)