The documentary Pray the Devil Back to Hell chronicles
how Liberian women used nonviolent protest to end 14 years of civil war. After
pressuring the male president and male rebels into peace talks, they blocked
the exits when negotiations stalled, forcing the men to stay until an agreement
was reached. Having endured years of restriction, often without basic
necessities, the women wanted the men in the room to taste that same hardship.
What the documentary does not show are the countless hours
the women spent after each protest, reflecting and strategizing. One organizer
reflected, “If we had not had different women from different walks of life
banding together, we may not have been able to solve the problem.” At its core,
democracy exists to address the problems of its people. It flourishes when
diverse voices are heard, and inclusive decision-making fosters policies that
are both equitable and responsive to all.
Countries with proportional representation (PR) elect more
women to the legislature, bringing a shift in legislative priorities. Research
shows that women in government are more likely to champion policies that
support education, healthcare, family well-being, and social equity. They also
prioritize collaboration and long-term solutions over partisan conflict. With
more women in the room, diverse problem-solving approaches lead to stronger,
more equitable policies—this is, in essence, real democracy.
This federal election, ask you candidates if they support
electoral reform with proportional representation. Visit FairVote.ca and/or CharterChallenge.ca to learn more.
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