Calgary city council needs more women in 2017, says new group

Women are severelyunderrepresented inCalgary's political scene, buta group of females isgearing up to change that come 2017.

Of the 15 members currently on Calgary city council, just two are women: Druh Farrell andDiane Colley-Urquhart.

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To help right that genderimbalance, anew organization has formedto encourage women to run for municipal politics and to supportwomen who choose to enter the race.

Co-founderEsmahanRazavi, who is originally from Saudi Arabia, says she "grewup in a part of the world where women don't have the right to vote and are completely excluded from the political process."

That's why it's so important to her to support women in her community.

"A lot of times, women don't think of themselves as politicians. Usually,women become politicians when they're asked to run. That's why we're called Ask Her," Razavi said.

"We're encouraging everyone to look atthe women in their lives and to ask qualified, capable women whether or not they would like to be involved in city council."

Razaviand her four other co-founders are planning a set of fundraisers, the proceeds from which will be equally split among all female candidates registered with the organization.

While Razavi herself said she has no political aspirations at the moment, she's excited to work behind the scenes to get these women elected onOct.16, 2017.

"If women want a viable chance, then they have to start early."

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With files from The Homestretch