Welcome to the eighth 2015 column of “The Gender Corner,” published in collaboration with the Anguillian Newspaper. This Corner is meant to provide thought-provoking and stimulating discussion on gender-related matters. The goal is to break the silence about a range of issues so that we can start building a positively transformed and visionary society. This week we discuss women in leadership and assert that we cannot achieve gender equality until we utilize the capacity of all of our nation’s treasures; men and women alike.
During Women’s Week 2014, HE Governor Christina Scott noted “…I find it very hard to separate out the extent to which the way I do my job is because of gender and how much is because of the experiences I’ve had, which can be a set of experiences that a man has had.” She continues on to say, “I think about my engagement in this role as benefiting from my experiences and my set of values as being much stronger drivers in terms of my performance rather than how old I am or [being a female]…I am trying to do my job to the best of my ability.” After 20 years in Public Service, Governor Scott echoes the voices of many women in top leadership positions; the position and the task at hand comes first, whether man or woman, the goal is to get the job done to the best of your ability.
On an international scale, we’ve heard of former Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton announcing her second bid for President of the United States of America. In the state of California, the Attorney General Kamala Harris is putting in her bid for the United States Senate. And right here on the home front, women are in positions as Permanent Secretaries, nominated members, in the judiciary and even as Speaker of the House during the last term. We’ve been talking about an unprecedented number of women running in Anguilla’s 2015 election. And just days ago, of the 4 women vying for a chance to help lead our nation toward multiple prosperities, 3 women were elected. These times haven’t come in Anguilla’s history since the tenure of pioneers Hon. Idalia Gumbs and Hon. Albena Lake-Hodge.
Rightfully, the discussion about women in leadership roles is “ripe for the picking.” Some see it as a shift in the roles of women, while others welcome the expected changes they associate with having a “women’s point of view.” Others note that whether man or woman, the best person should hold the job, while regretfully; there are still others who are adamantly against a change in gender roles that support women in leadership. Sadly there are still questions and comments surrounding women leaders focused on what they’ll need to “prove” in order to show that they are capable. In some cases they are overly critiqued on their “political image,” choice of language and even choice of clothing style.
The global shift displaying a rise of women in the political arena is a note for discussion but should it really be a surprise? Women inside and outside of the legislature and policy making arena have to display leadership traits on a daily basis. They must be great listeners, know how and when to get a point across, manage multiple responsibilities AND be a lover of God, self, family and community. Some women achieve this state of being by raising a family. Others achieve it through self-love despite years of pain and regret, while others achieve this publicly – on the national stage. The underlying themes that are consistent throughout include steadfast energy, inherent power, clear vision, heartfelt commitment, unwavering faith, a spirit of determination and a deep and often unexplainable love for the people they serve.
There’s a saying that “You can’t be a leader and a follower.” Unfortunately this idea is narrow-minded, unprogressive and unfruitful. There is never just one leader and one follower. Our goal is to build; women, men, boys and girls as leaders together. Where you are strong and capable, you lead and I follow. Where I am knowledgeable and dedicated, I lead and you follow. You are neither just a leader nor a follower but you are both, at all times, in different situations and to different people. It is the approach of “each one, teach one” and “the student learning more than the teacher.” Jesus is our servant-leader and we are called to be exactly that for one another.
So, why do we embrace women in leadership? It’s because we believe in competent, commanding and concerned leaders – women and men alike. What is happening, you ask? We are finally getting to a place where we utilize our resources wisely and create opportunities for all who are ready, willing and able to serve.
If you’d like to contribute to The Gender Corner, feel free to email Dr. Ronya Foy Connor, Gender Development Coordinator, Ministry of Home Affairs, The Valley, or to Ronya.Foy-Connor@gov.ai. or call at 497-2518.
