Campaign launched to celebrate "iconic" women who shape our culture

Wednesday 24 February 2021

Islanders are being challenged to nominate iconic women from their home country or island to celebrate the contribution of women in public life across the globe.

The campaign, launched this week by Women in Public Life, aims to populate an online map of Guernsey with flags from around the world ahead of International Women’s Day on 8 March.

Each flag will represent an iconic woman, nominated by a Guernsey resident who was born in that country or island. Once complete, a pop-up box will give more information about the woman and the name of her nominator, as well as links to any relevant local organisations. 

Women in Public Life Committee Member Linda Rolf said islanders are free to nominate women from any point in history. 

"We’re looking forward to receiving some great nominations of iconic women who are celebrated for what they have achieved - ideally in politics or public life, but it could be in other areas such as the sciences, arts, sport. 

"There are so many ways in which you can contribute to public life in Guernsey"

"Our ultimate objective is to inspire and support a diverse and representative range of women to stand for public office in Guernsey because we know that balanced teams make better decisions. 

More than one in three people who live in Guernsey were born outside the island. Most of them are UK-born but a third - 11% of the total population - were born elsewhere. 

"You don’t have to be a Jacinda Ardern," said Ms Rolf. "There are so many ways in which you can contribute to public life in Guernsey – as a tribunal member, for example."

Campaign Team Member Evita Bormane came to Guernsey from Latvia almost 15 years ago.

"Before I got involved with Women in Public Life, I wasn’t even sure that I would be eligible to stand for public office," she said. "I’ve now got a much better understanding of the various ways in which I can get involved. Guernsey has given me so much and I would like to give something back - I feel it is my duty to do so."

Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, who was elected to the States in 2020, is supporting the campaign.

"History is clear - national cultures are a tapestry of people who settle through relocation, work, marriage, war or other immigration," said the Economic Development Committee and Development & Planning Authority Member.

‘In Guernsey we have more than 70 nationalities represented: one in three people was born outside the Island.’

Celebrate our population’s diversity and an iconic woman from your home country this International Women’s Day #IWD2021 https://t.co/z8SVkOlGgC

— Tina Bury (@MsTinaBury) February 23, 2021

"Guernsey is no different. There are so many different nationalities that make up our island and that’s what we love about it. 

"We are all part of the puzzle that makes the fabric of our national culture and identity. The more diverse the puzzle, the more we can benefit, and we all have a role to play. And if you are ever to consider going into public office, Guernsey is a fantastic place to do it."

To nominate an iconic woman from your home country or island, go to www.womeninpubliclife.gg.