Gender Equality

What do these countries have in common?

1, Norway

2, Finland

3, Sweden

4, Iceland

5, New Zealand

They are the 5 nations that came out on top in a World Economic Forum study on the gender gap (hat tip: Lecturer notes). For a summary see the BBC website article

The study looked at economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, political empowerment, and health and survival of women.

It's good that New Zealand is up there. One of the positive things about the last 12 years of government is that children have grown up with an image that "of course a woman can be Prime Minister". Come to that, there were people voting in the last election who probably didn't remember a male Prime Minister.

That doesn't mean that New Zealand has got it perfect, and there's still room for improvement, particularly in business and on boards, but at least we're at the right end of the table. I suspect our MMP system has an effect - it's resulted in a markedly more diverse parliament than was the case (or would be likely) under FPP.

Speaking to Rotary clubs

My first exposure to Rotary International was when I was was “knee high to the bumper” and saw the Rotary badge affixed to the grille on my grandfather Howard’s car. Later I applied to be a Rotary Youth Exchangee (only to find on the day of the interview that no exchangees could go that year from Ashburton.)

These days I'm happy to speak to Rotary clubs in and around Christchurch, and recently spoke on stereotyping and stories to Christchurch West Club. It was a memorable event, as a mouse came out of the kitchen and ran around the front of the speaking area, before heading out via the air conditioning!

I speak and coach on topics around communication, storytelling, and leadership and can speak to Rotary (or other community groups) about one of the following programs.

• The Prime of Your Life? Happiness and fulfilment at any age. Why girls can do maths, and the little known power of women over 50.

• Stories, Stereotypes and Stigmas – how the stories we tell about ourselves and others limit us, and how we can overcome negative stereotypes.

• Change your subtext: An interactive speech, demonstrating the AARO technique to make you comfortable in any situation and get the best out of yourselves and others.

• What’s your balance? How to find more energy and a better life-balance.How small steps you can take to get big energy gains.

• Top tips for presentations

• Leadership: How to stop it burning you out, how you can get to the end of the year and feel you’ve used your time well.

• Nurturing the Performing Arts in Christchurch – the new Red Theatre project.

I am also an active member of the National Speakers Association of New Zealand (Education Director for the Christchurch Chapter), and have won several speaking competitions through Toastmasters in Christchurch.