As the female candidates, running for mayor, council and school trustee in Abbotsford and Mission gathered for one last campaign hurrah, one thing was apparent - the empowerment of women, and having the courage to stand up for what they believe in.

Almost every woman candidate gathered, to speak about their journey in running for the municipal elections, and why they believe they are the right fit for the job, during a Business Professional Women's Club of Abbotsford-Mission luncheon Wednesday at the Cascade Community Church.

Before they had a chance to present themselves and their election platforms, BPW publicity manager Connie Friessen was met with loud applause after saying "we are holding this luncheon to encourage women to participate in politics and have their voices heard."

With 15 candidates present at the women's luncheon, each were given three minutes to try and sway votes from BPW members.

The first to stand was Cindy Schafer, current chair of the Abbotsford board of education.

Other school trustee hopefuls included Joanne Field, who has served as school board chair for four years, Judith Reeves, incumbent candidate Shirley Wilson, Cynthia Higgins, Freddy Latham and Kamal Gill.

Gill, the only Indo-Canadian woman running for school trustee, grabbed the hearts of all the women in the room when she said "I just want to work really hard for equality and help get more Indo-Canadian women out there to show their leadership skills."

Candidates running for council included Abbotsford incumbents Patricia Ross, Lynne Harris and Christine Caldwell; new candidates Aeriol Alderking and Lynn Perrin; and two Mission incumbents Jenny Stevens and Heather Stewart.

Also present at the luncheon was Abbotsford mayoral candidate Gerda Peachey, running against four men.

Picture by Marcia Downham/Times
Printed with Permission from the Abbotsford Times © 2008