“This program stands as one of the most formative and memorable experiences of my academic journey...to engage directly with Canada’s political institutions, to witness governance in action, and to participate in dialogue with policymakers was both humbling and inspiring.”
This year, the SPPGA Women in House program brought together 10 female-identifying UBC students and alumni, including participants from International Relations, Political Science, and the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) program. The group travelled to Ottawa to engage with Canada’s political institutions and women leaders, gaining firsthand insight into governance and representation.
The program offers students a unique opportunity to experience Canada’s political landscape up close. Through visits to Parliament Hill, meetings with women leaders, and participation in key discussions, Women in House aims to foster understanding of governance and encourage civic engagement. By highlighting the contributions of women in leadership, the program underscores the importance of diverse voices in shaping inclusive policies and democratic processes.
Why does it matter?
Representation in politics is more than symbolic – it drives meaningful change. When women, especially those with intersecting identities, hold political power, they bring lived experiences that expand who is seen, heard, and protected in policy. As one participant reflected:
“Women in Parliament are not only representing their own identities; they are opening doors, building pathways, and creating environments where others who have historically been excluded can also thrive.”
Participant Reflections:
I met women who had arrived through different paths, who made room for others to speak, and who rightfully took pride in their work, which helped me better understand what representation looks like in practice.
— Christy Lim, BA Poli Sci ’25
I gained powerful, hands-on insight into how women leaders advocate and drive meaningful policy change. Seeing women shape policy at the highest levels reaffirmed why I chose to pursue this path: to be part of a generation of women in policy who not only enter halls of power but transform them to be more diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
— Lindsey Eiwanger, MPPGA ’26
Participating in the Women in the House program was a transformative experience that allowed me to engage directly with Canadian political institutions and women leaders and understand inclusive governance in practice. As an international student from Nepal, observing women in Canada navigate, influence, and lead within political spaces inspired me to reimagine what is possible back home.
— Salina Lama, MPPGA ’26
Since the trip, I have returned to my school work with renewed hope. Having met people who care deeply, amid those only seeking a piece of the power pie, has given me new role models to look up to and hold onto in the difficult times that the world is currently undergoing. The Women in House program truly made me feel like there is a space to fight back against systems of oppression – as much as it may need to be carved out at times. It will be a crucial, core experience in shaping my perspective of power and my own reclaiming of that power for a long time to come.
— Bahaar Abbas, MPPGA ’26
The Women in House program continues to empower students by connecting them with role models who exemplify leadership and resilience. Through these experiences, participants leave with a deeper understanding of governance and a renewed commitment to shaping a more inclusive future.
