non-partisan, non-sectarian group -- this week released 10 facts it said women should be aware of before voting.

The group began by pointing out that women make up the majority of registered voters.

"Of the 34,506 persons registered -- as of July -- to vote, 18,247 are female,'' the BPWA pointed out. "That ... means women have 53 percent of the voting power and men only 47 percent.'' But, the group noted, there were "only four women to 36 men'' in the last House of Assembly.

"Men comprised 90 percent of the membership and women merely 10 percent. This ratio can be improved if women use their voting power.'' The BPWA also said: There are 13 female to 75 male candidates in the election; Women can return the effective incumbent female MP and vote in the new candidates "to easily triple female representation in the new House''; and A good, effective government is provided by "both men and women''.

"There are extremely good women candidates running,'' the group said. "Use power to get them in. The future of Bermuda needs them.'' The BPWA also listed the female candidates.

The group is also organising an island-wide celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 1944 Women's Suffrage Act.

The anniversary will be marked by several activities, including a forum to address women's issues, an anniversary banquet, an exhibition, and the establishment of an educational endowment fund.

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