Helen for Secretary-General?

This one will get the sewer screaming: international women's lobby Equality Now is trying to push for a woman to replace Kofi Annan when he retires as UN Secretary-General later this year. To help in this push, they've published a list of eighteen qualified candidates as an example of the talent that has so far been overlooked. Appearing on the list are our very own Helen Clark and Silvia Cartwright...

But before anyone gets the idea that our Prime Minister is planning to leave us in the near future, there's this disclaimer:

The list presented here is just a small sampling of women who are serving or have served in positions that have given them relevant experience for the job of Secretary-General. There are many more women who are equally qualified. Equality Now names these individuals only to illustrate the considerable pool of talented women who could serve. They have not been contacted regarding the mention of their names, nor have they indicated whether or not they wish to be considered for the post.

As for the substantive issue, candidates should of course be assessed on their merits. But there are clearly qualified female candidates available, and you have to wonder why none has been appointed so far...