The search is on for Guernsey’s iconic women of the future to fill an online map of the island in celebration of International Women’s Day on 8th March.
Women in Public Life is asking islanders to nominate a woman or girl under 30 who has the potential to make a positive difference to public life in the Bailiwick and beyond.
It could be in politics, in public service, in business, in the arts, science or sport, in the voluntary sector or as a campaigner. She could be already making her mark or be predicted to do so.
The campaign launches on 22th February, two weeks ahead of International Women’s Day. Each person nominated will be represented with a pin on the map. Clicking on the pin will give more information about why their nominator feels they are a Guernsey woman of the future.
Last year, Women in Public Life filled the Guernsey map with more than 50 flags from around the world, each one representing an iconic international woman, nominated by an islander who was born in that country or island. That campaign – which is shortlisted for a Guernsey Community Foundation award – culminated in a reception at Government House where a real-life giant version of the map was created by 50 Guernsey residents from around the world.
Women in Public Life committee member Linda Rolf says: “We were bowled over by the way islanders came together last year to celebrate the international diversity of Guernsey and the achievements of women in public life.
“As Women in Public Life, we’d like to see more women of all ages and all backgrounds stand for public office in Guernsey because balanced teams make better decisions.
“So this year we’re putting the spotlight on younger women to celebrate both what they have already achieved and their potential to be Guernsey’s iconic women of the future. We’re keen to find and celebrate the women and girls in Guernsey who are going to be our iconic women of the future. Who is our next Deputy Heidi Soulsby, Dr Nicola Brink, Jessica Roland, Wendy Dorey or Heather Watson?
“Anyone who lives in the Bailiwick can make a nomination. They just need to fill out a short form on womeninpubliclife.gg, saying why they think their nominee is a potential iconic woman of the future, confirm they have the person’s permission and attach an image. The nominee must live in the Bailiwick or have previously lived here for at least a year.”
Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller is supporting the campaign. She says: “Youth can be accompanied by uncertainty and undervaluing of our work, ideas and values. It’s very important we recognise the young people making a mark on our community.
“I remember those early recognitions in my own professional and activist journey giving me stronger confidence, energy and trust in my abilities and intuition to chart my own path.”
The closing date for nominations is Sunday 5th March at 17.00. To nominate a Guernsey iconic woman of the future, click here.
