International Women’s Day: changing the narrative

When I was on a posting in Ukraine in the early 2000s, International Women’s Day was largely considered to be a quirky remnant from a socialist era – a day on which the contribution women made to the construction of great nations was honoured – be it raising strong healthy families or literally being part of the building process, in whatever shape or form. Celebrations were often accompanied by Soviet-style posters, sporting women with impressive forearms.

Roll forward 17 years and it has become an internationally observed day across the world in which our achievements, but also the many challenges that we still face in many countries, are highlighted.

The Foreign Office itself has seen immense change over the past generation. As is well known, women working in the Foreign Service had to resign on marriage until as late as 1973. The upshot for me, joining in 1988, was that there were very few female role models to whom I could look up to, or approach for advice. Now, a significant number of women are Heads of Mission, or are in senior positions, and I can think of so many women who have inspired me, guided me and acted as real role models, often without even knowing they were doing it!

Within the Canada network of five posts, two Consuls-General are female and the incoming High Commissioner, Susan Le Jeune, will be the UK’s first female High Commissioner to Canada. British Columbia, where I am based, also has a high number of female Consuls-General representing other countries. In addition to myself, I am joined by wonderful female colleagues from the US, China, Japan, Mexico – to name but a few. The Vancouver Sun recently carried an article, profiling myself and a few others and highlighting just how well represented female CGs were in British Columbia. Unsurprisingly, the photos were all quite flattering and, I suspect, a little air-brushed.

When the newly appointed Canadian Prime Minister was asked why he had appointed a cabinet that was split exactly 50% in terms of gender, he said: ‘Because it’s 2015’. I love being in the media here as much as the next person, but I’d prefer if the story wasn’t that I am female. Why? Because it’s 2017.

Last week saw the Foreign Secretary announce the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s first Special Envoy for Gender Equality, Joanna Roper. Joanna will spearhead the UK’s efforts to deliver a coherent international approach to ensuring the rights of women and girls. 30 years ago we didn’t even get gender equality right internally (and it may still not be perfect) but now I am so proud to be working for an organisation that has created this role but that also sees itself taking a leading part in this work.

For those of us in leadership position, being female, in itself, shouldn’t be the story. The story should be what still needs to be done around the world to bring about gender equality for all. What have we overcome to be where we are? What still needs to be done and what can we do? How can we lead by example? That’s the wider story. Let’s #BeBoldForChange and change the narrative.