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because of the raw deal that they’ve had – not only because of their colour in the
past, but also because of their gender in the past – so, yes, I would, if I’m called
upon to speak on behalf of women.
Sally agreed:
No, I don’t feel
obliged to do so – I think one does so – one takes opportunity to
highlight particular practices that might affect women –
particularly young
women. But I don’t think that I should be obliged to do that. I think that’s the
mistake, is that every time a woman gets into a leadership position that she should
now basically champion the cause of woman only – No I don’t believe all women
should feel obliged to do that - they shouldn’t. But I do think that by practice we
should treat everyone equally and evenly and well and each particular person has
their own concerns and issues and the ones for women are different from the ones
for men, but that doesn’t mean women must get preference – I think everything
should be even-handed.
Cheryl, on the other hand, had a different view:
My position is that I think it should be the best person for the task. And I will
strongly support women, I’m very sympathetic to the fact that they need
support
when they have children, and I think you should be as flexible as you possibly
can – and also think you should be flexible for many – where the conflict
situations arise- it is extremely important that you don’t compromise equality here
– because there could be demands
not because you are a woman , it can be from
religion, race and a whole host of things. And I think that actually women can do
themselves a disservice if they expect to be treated as special… I’m extremely
supportive of all issues on women but I think it’s actually about competence – and
about the best person for the task.
Carol had this to say: ‘…not really a champion of women’s issues – but if I feel a woman
is worthy of promoting, I’ll do that’.
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Jen was ambivalent: ‘No negative attitude or experience at all. I don’t know about
championing women’s cause but I try to do what I can, and do it well so that no finger
can be pointed at me for being a female and not being able to
cope with the mission and
vision.’
From the position the women have taken above, it would appear that they do not wish to
be associated with the general perception that a woman in a position of authority is
somehow automatically expected to ‘fight for women’s rights’. This is not surprising
given the fact that senior women rarely call themselves feminists and often take a male
view of behaviour and knowledge for granted. This is Kitch’s (1994) view, as cited in
(Reay & Ball 2000:147). However, two of the women were clearly in favour of
championing the cause of women: ‘I do like to do what I
can to support women –
because there aren’t enough of us at [this] college and I think it
would be a healthier
environment if the balance of women and men was better…So I
do champion the cause
of women.’ (Nikki)
Brooke said: ‘I think it [is] very important to me as a woman to help to champion the
cause of women - help other people, disabled people, minority and ethnic
people and
fight against exclusion or feel like a diversity champion.’
From the position the women have taken above, it would appear that they do not wish to
be associated with the general perception that a woman in a position of authority is
somehow automatically expected to ‘fight for women’s rights’. This is not surprising
given the fact that senior women rarely call themselves feminists and often take a male
view of behaviour and knowledge for granted. This is Kitch’s (1994) view, as cited in
(Reay & Ball 2000:147). However, two of the women were clearly in favour of
championing the cause of women: ‘I do like to do what I
can to support women –
because there aren’t enough of us at [this] college and I think it would be a healthier
environment if the balance of women and men was better…So I do champion the cause
of women.’ (Nikki)
201
Brooke said: ‘I think it [is] very important to me as a woman to help to champion the
cause of women - help other people, disabled people, minority and ethnic people and
fight against exclusion or feel like a diversity champion.’
5.3.4.4 Perceptions, training, new roles and responsibilities.
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