Woman-on-a-mission

Inspirational Interview

How did you get into politics?

I was an only child. My parents were not high fliers. They were local people in local groups, not even regional groups. I grew up hearing them talk. There was no seminal moment. I call it the inevitability of gradualness, I was a young socialist, I was in the league of youth. Then I came to London, working as a Personal Assistant to an MP. I learned a great deal from him. How to handle people, how to do the job,

Who were your role models as a child?

I didn't have role models as a child, but as an adolescent, 2 very different role models: Judy Garland, and Elizabeth 1.

Absolutely different, but both hugely talented. I loved the music, the concerts at Carnegie Hall and London Palladium, full of spirit and energy, the music was marvellous, and the meaning of the words, always clearly enunciated.

Elizabeth did it her way. A girl of 14 in the Tower of London , never knowing if she was to be executed. Educated in Latin and Greek and spoke most European languages. In the house of commons there is a tall portrait of Elizabeth I. She was a loner, never married, despite her courtiers, with this ring I wed the Realm.

When did you first realise that women get different treatment?

It was 1974. I was a member of parliament. I went to buy a TV on higher purchase and put down "single" on the form and was refused. They didn't know who I was. There was a battle royal and they backed down, but it shouldn't have been necessary.

My colleagues in the house, at selection conferences, if they're married are asked who's gong to look after your husband, who's going to look after your children?

Having said that I do like all the common courtesies extended to women and I notice if I don't get it. I rarely travel on the underground, but people always stand up for me, whether its the grey hair or the wrinkles.

Can being a woman be an advantage?

The press will focus on you being a woman, but you can use it to advantage. Women are more colourful. When I fought a by-election , they thought I wasn't strong enough, but you can use the press to your advantage.

Even now are women treated differently in the house?

Without naming names of some women in the house, whenever there are women members leaving and going back to their families, they're described as they can't hack it.

The press never speak of those who make a success of combining both careers. One successful member of parliament says she spends 93% of her salary on child care Another, was divorced when her child was 2. The media highlights only the ones who don't succeed.

The Central Lobby at the Palace of Westminster. Its an impressive place, very high Victorian.

Finally:

This is a quote from Baroness Boothroyd, some years ago when she was still in the chair.

Never more relevant today:

If democracy were a traded commodity on the stock exchange, it would be showing losses right now and shareholders would be wondering whether to bail out. Sylvia Pankhurst never bailed out when the going got tough. She regarded democracy as women's heritage and right. Our forebears fought for it and we, as won, are still relatively new beneficiaries of it. That's why we are here, in Parliament and many other walks of life - still fighting, still overcoming obstacles to our rightful place in the world.

Well done Sylvia Pankhurst!

She continues to inspire us.

2009©christina@christrainers.com

Baroness Boothroyd comes across the lobby. She is charismatic and colourful, and a young man greets her to say how much he admired her. There is nothing intimidating about Baroness Boothroyd. Going up in the Peers' lift, she marvels that people should admire her, and the young particularly.

Entering her room, she explains that she's lucky to have this room to herself. Its usually 4 Lords sharing. She has an amazing silk jacket patterned of many colours which sits well in front of the red curtains and the wall paper busy with the lords logo. Not one to fade into the background.

There is hardly any country that she hasn't visited, nor statesman or women of the 20th Century whom she hasn't met. Highly regarded by many politicians abroad who envied the British Lower House and wish they had someone of her authority to run theirs.

Once in Interview she mentioned that politics and the respect for the institution of what ever party colour, was "under her fingernails, like miners dust", No matter how hard you scrub you can't get rid of it. She is very much a woman of her time, in some of her expectations and beliefs, and that is understandable. The world of politics, and respect for institutions (British) is not the one she grew up in, the one when she entered politics. The respect in which she is held, by both parties as Speaker is unprecedented. She has a very clear moral compass, and the highest respect for the institution of Parliament. And while she is rightly proud of this, , another honour amongst many is most prized by her. The Chancellor of the Open University.

Look out girls, you're going to be knocked back . Pick yourself up and get on with it
Determination is hugely importance and you can win through
Don't let anybody put you down
There is no time for weeping
Attracting the opportunity, seeing /recognising the opportunity, and seizing the opportunity
Women should stick a toe in the water to see if its too hot, before committing to a parliamentary life
The press will focus on you being a woman, but you can use it to advantage. Women are more colourful. You can use the press to your advantage

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The well formed objective:

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Before you start your business, or change tack.

Do you have a clear and positive and specific goal in mind?
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