The island’s iconic women of the future – as identified in a Women in Public Life campaign for International Women’s Day 2022 – are speaking out in the run-up to this year’s event on 8 March about the changes they want to see for Guernsey and the wider world.
More than 60 women and girls under 30 from the Bailiwick were nominated by islanders last year. They ranged in age from 10 to 29 and included two Douzeniers and a member of the Police Complaints Commission, as well as women in business and the public sector, scientists, environmentalists, campaigners, charity workers, artists and sportswomen.
Each of the nominees was represented on an online map of Guernsey with a small photo, which when clicked on, revealed why the nominator believed their nominee has the potential to make a positive difference to public life in the Bailiwick and beyond.
Women in Public Life committee member Linda Rolf said: “Over the last year, we’ve encouraged this group of inspirational young women and girls to get to know their peers and build a network of support.
“For International Women’s Day this year, they’re highlighting the changes that they would like to influence in the next five to ten years. We’re publishing a selection of their quotes on our website and on social media – they really make you think.”
Among the contributions:
Charlotte Long, who in 2021 became Guernsey’s youngest douzenier at the age of 18, said: “I’d like to see wider range of young girls and female representatives in all aspects of life especially politics. Teaching and empowering girls and allowing them the opportunity to stand up for what they believe in.”
Jasmine Hislop, a youth worker and equality rights champion, said: “I’d like to reduce the invisible line between the community and deputies so that everyone (especially young people) knows they have people who can be their voice if they feel they don’t have one. There are deputies who want to make the same changes as you do because they understand.”
Mathilde Flouquet, one of the youngest to be nominated last year when she was 13, said she would like to influence: “The way that Guernsey supports groups affected by discrimination, e.g. women, people of colour, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and those with disabilities. I feel like we as an island could do so much more to help make these people’s lives easier and amplify their voices.”
And Nicky Bourne, a primary school teacher and Beaver leader, said: “I’d like to be part of reaching out to and engaging with a more diverse group of people in scouting. Being able to give more people the opportunity to share and develop skills for life. I’d also like to see the diversity of the people in Guernsey represented more.”
Ms Rolf concluded: “This is an impressive generation. Young women care passionately about the society they live in, and they have the drive and commitment to achieve change. It’s really important that young people have a voice in decision-making, and we hope that by celebrating the potential that is out there, we will encourage more young women to consider standing for a position in public office.”
To find out more about Guernsey’s iconic women of the future and what they have to say, go to the Women in Public Life website.
Main picture: Guernsey’s iconic women of the future met in June last year at the Chamber of Commerce
