The first female Director General: my reflections on International Women's Day

On International Women’s Day it is a privilege to be able to write a blog as the first female Director General of the IOPC. 

As a child, women were in charge everywhere: my primary school headteacher; the Prime Minister and the Queen. But at the same time all around me were stories and films in which women were helpless. I remember fuming through Indiana Jones as the female sidekick repeatedly got hysterical and fell over, but I was seen as ‘sweet’ rather than justified in my reaction.  
 

When I asked a teacher if I could desist from reading a Famous Five book because the girls always made the sandwiches, he found it amusing. Looking back at my school days, I can think of quite a few female friends who limited their ambitions which is hardly surprising based on the lack of encouragement.

I now see lots of better role models for young women in books and films, and in the real world there are many more women in senior positions than when I was growing up. I remember a female colleague being very surprised that I was combining the senior civil service with having a young child. I have been clear to anyone thinking about children that there doesn’t need to be a choice between career progression and motherhood. I look forward to an International Women’s Day where speaking about careers doesn’t entail discussing childcare anymore than it would on International Men’s Day, but we are a long way from that. (I recognise of course the number of fathers in the workplace who are also taking responsibility for childcare and working).  

I also look forward to an International Women’s Day where speaking about careers doesn’t entail discussing childcare anymore than it would on International Men’s Day, but we are still a long way from that. (I do recognise of course the number of fathers – and the increasing number indeed – in the workplace who are also taking responsibility for childcare and working hard to balance their home and family lives). 

To me, the most important aspect to allow women, and all under-represented groups to progress, is recognising that different styles and approaches to leadership are not only valid, but helpful. You may have seen studies that found that women’s presence on companies’ boards generally increases profits. It is essential that everyone can bring their whole selves to work and thrive and develop their careers, and here at the IOPC I am making it my mission to ensure we have the processes, structures and culture to enable safe challenge and contribution for everyone.