Only one in four councillors statewide is female. Only one in 11 councillors on Wagga City Council is female. Half the population is female. Wagga, we have a problem.

If true democracy is about representation and we live in the age of gender equality, how could we have such a dearth of women in political leadership roles?

How far have have we really come in cracking the “glass ceiling” that has traditionally stopped women from reaching the upper echelons of power in our community? Not far enough.

Women in Business Wagga should be commended for launching a campaign to encourage more women to win a seat at the council table.

This is not about affirmative action or political correctness, it’s a recognition that women bring a unique and valuable perspective to decision-making.

They’ve proven that in the local business sphere and they’ve proven that on boards of myriad community organisations around town.

The lack of the fairer sex on council is puzzling given women have always held such a high standing in rural and regional centres.

The very nature of living life on the land means that long before many of their city counterparts, local women broke the shackles of being the home-maker to occupy a wide array of roles.

Democracy might be about hearing a diversity of voices, but the local civic debate is being dominated by the voices of middle-aged men.

Of course, democracy also allows anyone, regardless of gender, to contest an election. But historically, with a few notable exceptions, the city’s most qualified female leaders haven’t appeared on the ballot paper.

The patriarchal nature of politics and the burden of juggling work and home duties may be partly to blame.

If you believe council should have more female faces, you can help make it happen.

Encourage an inspiring woman in your life to consider running for council and if they agree, make sure you place a “1” next to their name next September.