Last week five women were among elected members sworn in at a ceremony at Invercargill’s Civic Theatre.
Crs Alex Crackett, Trish Boyle and Ria Bond have been returned to the council, alongside newly elected councillors Andrea de Vries and Lisa Tou-McNaughton.
Cr de Vries said she was delighted to see a variety of perspectives had appealed to voters.
"By bringing a wider range of voices to the table, we’re ensuring decisions are informed by the realities, ideas and strengths of our whole community and that is how we will progress and thrive," she said.
Cr Tou-McNaughton said it was inspiring to see a "broad range of voices and experiences" around the council table.
"The inclusion of a variety of perspectives can only lead to stronger decision-making, and a stronger community."
Cr Crackett said she was thrilled to see the increase in women being elected to represent the community.
"Breaking barriers was never the goal, but building something that more accurately reflected the diversity of perspectives in our community was.
"I’m really proud to stand alongside so many strong and capable women as we shape our community’s future."
Cr Boyle said it was vital for young women to see themselves represented in a range of spaces.
"When young girls see women leading, whether that’s in government, in the boardroom, on the sports field, they don’t just dream bigger.
"They know it is possible," she said.
Cr Bond said Invercargill had taken an important step forward.
"Electing five women to council reflects a community that is ready for a modern and inclusive approach, and one that values balance, experience and collaboration in local decision-making," she said.
Cr Ludlow said in some respects it did not matter what the gender mix was on a council.
"What’s important is diversity of experience, interest, skill set and world view."
However, such diversity came through having women and a range of ages at the table.
While gender was one part of the mix it was an important one.
"Lived experience does shape how we approach issues."
Women were under-represented on the regional council but Southland was not alone in that.
Many women could not afford to give up income in order to take on the demanding role.
"Having done nine years balancing council duties with part-time work and family, I know the load well."
Sometimes it was not easy being the lone woman.
"Not having another woman to talk things through with or empathise with can make it lonely."
Since 2016, when Julie Keast was the only woman elected to the Southland District Council, there has been an increase in the number of women elected.
This year four women, Jaspreet Bopari, Christine Menzies, Sarah Greaney and Cr Keast, who have all served at least one term, returned to the council table.
