Opening the Chamber: Daughters of the Vote and Political Ambition in Young Women

The political ambition gap between men and women is well-known, and many scholars argue it is a contributing factor to women’s underrepresentation in politics. Several women’s organizations have emerged to address the gender gap, but there is little empirical evidence on whether political encouragement, candidate training programs, and women’s political organizations effectively address these issues and increase women’s political representation. This thesis uses the Daughters of the Vote (DOV) program to investigate the efficacy of these initiatives and provide greater insight into young women’s political ambition. These findings highlight both the promise and limitations of political encouragement programs. This study employs a mixed methods approach composed of 3 data sources: an original survey of 2017 and 2019 DOV delegates, semi-structured interviews with former delegates and an Equal Voice representative, and a post-2019 program survey by Equal Voice. I investigate whether DOV increases participants’ political ambition, political interest, political participation, and sense of self-efficacy, while also exploring what deters young women from pursuing office and which program components they found most impactful. The results show that while participants’ political interest shifted both positively and negatively, they have maintained high levels of political engagement, with a notable increase in formal political participation. Most participants reported a greater sense of confidence in their qualifications and increased political ambition following the program, but few have actually run for office. Peer networking and sitting in Parliament were among the most impactful experiences. However, the treatment of women politicians and institutionally entrenched barriers—such as masculine norms and partisan institutions—continue to deter many. These programs are a valuable tool for promoting young women’s political engagement and ambition, but their results will be constrained so long as societal and structural barriers remain intact.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Political Science

Grantor

Arts

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Grigg, Rachel

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Franceschet, Susan

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Thomas, Melanee
• Young, Lisa

• Canadian Politics
• Political Ambition
• Women in Politics
• Gender
• Representation
• Campaign Training Programs
• Daughters of the Vote
• Political Encouragement
• Young Women's Political Engagement
• Parliament

Statement dc:rights

• Unless otherwise indicated, this material is protected by copyright and has been made available with authorization from the copyright owner. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

DOI

https://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/50301

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ucalgary.scholaris.ca:1880/122708