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...
What? No Margaret Thatcher?
ReplyDeleteI'd have thought she was too old.
ReplyDelete(Thatcher, not Helen).
ReplyDeleteAs for Clark, I don't think she'd be bad at the job - but (rantings from the sewer excepted) I haven't seen much sign that she wants it now...
Heh. That hyper-real campaign portrait rather jumps out from the montage, doesn't it? She looks like a 20 year old compared to the others.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
RB
I think the key phrase was that "nor have they indicated whether or not they wish to be considered for the post". I would have though that indicating interest would be at least a pre-requisite for getting the job. And the ex-Polish president has indicated interest, but the chances of him getting it are slim to none due to Russia most likely vetoing him.
ReplyDeleteWe should send the all blacks and all our famous peopel round hte UN to campaign for Helen - she did it for the world cup afterall.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be good for NZ and the world to have helen as secretary general (or global despot) - and shes probably better than kofi anyway.
I suggest she take cullen with her - I'd like to see his tactics (as mentioned by tamahere) being used on the UN.