B.C. NDP’s Katrina Chen fights to make politics more welcoming for single moms
The MLA for Burnaby-Lougheed, Katrina Chen, has emerged as a powerful advocate for single moms in the realm of politics. Despite being considered for a higher-profile position in Premier David Eby’s cabinet, Chen made a shocking revelation on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. She disclosed that she herself was struggling with the trauma of gender-based violence, prompting her to request Eby not to consider her for a cabinet post.
Since then, Chen has taken a backseat as a backbencher, primarily participating in virtual sessions of the legislature from her home in Burnaby, where she resides with her son. While she announced her decision not to seek re-election in 2024, Chen declares that she will remain vocal about improving services for gender-based violence survivors and advocating for more flexible working conditions for MLAs. Her aim is to pave the way for greater political participation from single moms, just like herself.
Chen candidly admits that, during her early years in politics, she made work her top priority as a way to escape from her personal trauma. She reminisces about the stress she endured during trips across the province to promote the NDP’s affordable child care program. With her parents living in Taiwan, Chen constantly faced the anxiety of potential flight delays that could disrupt her ability to be there for her nine-year-old son, sometimes requiring her to rely on friends for assistance.
In an interview with Postmedia News, Chen passionately expressed her determination to transform the political landscape for single moms. She emphasized the importance of better services for survivors of gender-based violence, understanding the unique struggles they face, and creating a more empathetic and accommodating political system.
Chen’s advocacy for flexible working conditions for MLAs reflects her personal experience and the challenges she encountered as a parent. She believes that by providing MLAs with more flexibility, single moms can actively participate in politics without sacrificing their responsibilities as caregivers.
The journey hasn’t been easy for Chen, who initially used politics as an escape from her own traumatic experiences. However, her struggles have shaped her perspective and fueled her dedication to bring about change. By sharing her story, Chen hopes to inspire and empower other single moms who may be hesitant to take part in politics due to the rigidity of traditional legislative roles.
As Chen continues her work in the political arena, she strives to make it more inclusive and accommodating. Her focus on creating better support systems for survivors of gender-based violence and advocating for flexible working conditions demonstrates her commitment to making a real difference.
In conclusion, Katrina Chen’s fight to make politics more welcoming for single moms encompasses her personal journey and the challenges she has faced. Through her dedication and advocacy, she aspires to create a more compassionate and understanding environment for survivors of gender-based violence, while simultaneously opening doors for single moms to participate fully in politics without sacrificing their essential role as caregivers.
