Calgary female MLAs hurl axes at misogyny and inequality in politics

Some of Calgary's most powerful decision makers spent Thursday night chucking axes at wooden targets in a statement against misogyny and inequality in politics.

TheAxe the Inequality event sought to draw attention to the often toxic online environment that spews violent threats and sexist comments at female politicians.

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"I've had people threaten the lives of my family through private messages," said Calgary-East MLA Robyn Luff, who spearheaded the event.

Luff, who has two children, ages three and five, said people often "talk down" to her and remark that she "must have [her] hands so full," as both a mother and an elected representative. She then noted that those degrading comments are rarely leveled ather male counterparts who have children the same age.

In defiance of that double standard, she and MLAs Brandy Payne, Sandra Jansen, Kathleen Ganley, Deborah Drever andAnam Kazim took turns hurling blades.

Local musicians,including Mariel Buckley,Yolanda Sargeant andKate Stevens, filled the venue with live entertainment.

'Shows strength and power'

Luff said she picked the unusual activity because she "thought it'd be fun."

"It's something that shows strengthand power, and something that's not usually associated with politicians."

Proceeds from the event will help fund re-election campaigns for the female NDPMLAsin Calgary.

"Having those voices in politics is really important, because it helps to emphasize the issues that women are going through on a daily basis," Luff said.

Late last year, Jansen, MLA for Calgary-North West, shocked the legislature into silence byreading a litany of demeaning commentsshereceived on Twitter andFacebookafter crossing the aisle to sit with the NDP.

Warning graphic language: Hateful messages aimed at Alberta MLA

8 years ago

Duration 2:01

Sandra Jansen read a member's statement before question period on Tuesday, citing hateful messages she has received since crossing the floor last week.

The commentsincluded "Sandra should stay in the kitchen, where she belongs," and "Now you have two blond bimbos in a party that is clueless."

Issues of sexual assault and harassment have risen into the public consciousness after recent widespread allegations against Hollywood director Harvey Weinstein and an online #MeToo campaign, which encourageswomen to share their uncomfortable experiences using the hashtag.

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