Unprecedented response for Guernsey's iconic women of the future

Tuesday 08 March 2022

More than 60 young women and girls from the Bailiwick have been nominated as potential iconic women of the future.

Women in Public Life launched the initiative to find nominees two weeks ago to mark International Women’s Day today.

Nominees have each been given a marker on a digital map of Guernsey alongside information about why they were nominated. 

Pictured: 62 young women and girls under 30 have been nominated as possible iconic women of the future.

Women in Public Life Committee Member, Linda Rolf, said the response was unprecedented. 

“The response from islanders has been stunning. We were hoping for 30 nominations but we ended up with more than double that number,” she said. 

“Even more important than the quantity of nominations is the quality.

“It has been inspiring to read about young women and girls who have already achieved so much and look set to do great things in the future.”

The focus of the campaign was women under 30 who are significantly under-represented in public office in the Bailiwick.

There are currently no women under 30 in the States and only two Douzeniers. 

Pictured: Douzenier Charlotte Long was nominated by Kita Smith and Elizabeth Orton.

The nominations range in age from 10 to 29 and include two Douzeniers, Victoria Robinson and Charlotte Long; as well as women in business, the public sector, scientists, environmentalists, campaigners, charity workers, artists and spokeswomen. 

Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink nominated Nurse Isabel Rabey and Public Health Practitioner Heather Ewert.

“I have no doubt Heather will continue to make further significant contributions to the lives of islanders over the years,” said Dr Brink. 

“Hard work and dedication, together with a passion for tackling inequalities are central to all she does.”

Pictured: Public Health Practitioner Heather Ewert.

Chambers of Commerce President and Carey Olsen Partner Elaine Gray nominated 22-year-old Rebekah Johnson. 

“Whether volunteering as a mentor to your people or being elected as the youngest ever member of the police complaints commission, Rebekah is set to be one of the iconic Guernsey women of the next few years, if not already.”

Joni Nettleship nominated one of the youngest iconic women of the future, 13-year-old Mathilde Flouquet. 

“Mathilde is never afraid to speak up for others and has used her voice on her school council to ensure people are treated fairly,” said Ms Nettleship. 

Pictured: Mathilde Flouquet was nominated for her contributions to her school council. 

Other nominees include 24-year-old Lottie Parkes who was nominated by Jo Meerveld for her contributions to equality with Guernsey Against Discrimination. 

Committee for Environment and Infrastructure President Deputy Lindsay De Sausmarez nominated 19-year-old Charlotte Cleal for her critical role in bringing about Guernsey’s climate change policy. 

Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller nominated 29-year-old Poppy Murray for her BE LADS campaign to educate men and boys about how to make women feel safer. 

The map of all the nominees is available HERE.