IQALUIT -The Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women, in partnership with the City of Iqaluit and the Government of Nunavut's Women's Secretariat, held a full-day workshop Sept. 10 designed to teach women how to run a successful municipal campaign.

Shylah Elliott, Qulliit executive director, said the workshop will run as a pilot program.

"We're hoping to implement similar forums in other jurisdictions across Nunavut to try to raise the level of women in politics across the board," she said.

The workshop operates on the basis that getting more women involved in politics will benefit not only women, but communities as a whole.

"It's important to have more voices. Women typically focus more - and this is a proven study - women tend to focus more on social issues and education than men typically do," said Elliott.

"So there are very real unique experiences that women have that are being lost on the political level, without a woman's voice at the table," she added.

About 10 women attended the workshop. They spent the morning hearing from a city representative about the "nuts and bolts" of the election process and also heard from Iqaluit Mayor Elisapee Sheutiapik and Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak about their experiences in politics.

In the afternoon, women were led through a mock election process.

"We go through it from start to finish, from campaigning to door to door (to) flyers -- even a victory speech at the end for the lucky elected person," said Elliott.

Qulliit ran a similar exercise in June when it held a general workshop for women interested in politics at all levels.

About 40 women attended the June workshop, during which many barriers perceived by women trying to get into politics came to light, said Elliott.

Key barriers identified included childcare - finding the right supportive services to ensure a family is cared for while the woman campaigns - and overcoming stereotypes.

One big stereotype many women talked about was the "hardened" female politician, which many women felt brought a reputation with it that was "not reflective of their character," said Elliott.

"So, it's intimidating for a lot of women, I think, to try and get involved," she added.

Iqaluit's municipal election is set for Oct. 19.

Hamlet elections will be held Dec. 7.