We all are fortunate to live and work in a time when female leadership in state government is the norm and not the exception. With a female governor and majority on the Council of State, and many more women in executive roles, it is all too easy to overlook the years of struggle and inequity that preceded these accomplishments.
I was reminded of that quite vividly this week during an extraordinary meeting with nine female legislators from different political parties and regions in Pakistan. The delegation had just attended the Council of State meeting – a session led by Gov. Bev Perdue, in which financial and policy reports were presented and votes taken on multi-million dollar transactions. Such public meetings, I learned, do not occur back home.
I was joined by four women – each of whom has experienced "first's" in their professional careers – invited to meet with the group and share our experiences: Linda Carlisle, Secretary of Cultural Resources; Beth Wood, State Auditor; Cherry Berry, Labor Commissioner; and Jenny Lancaster, Chief Operating Officer of the Department of Correction.
Our distinguished guests, here as part of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, are dedicated to enhancing open government and improving conditions for women. The International Affairs Council, a Research Triangle organization that works to increase global understanding, helped coordinate the visit.
"We are here to see what you do here and to share the things we learn with the women of our country," said one second-term legislator.
Their comments and questions suggest they have their work cut out for them, but they will carry home ideas that may help to improve the lives of all Pakistanis.
Learning about their commitment to help empower women is a strong reminder of how far we’ve come. And realizing that women like us serve as role models around the world is both humbling and inspiring. (Pictured: Michaux addresses the delegation as Leila Bekri, program director of the International Affairs Council looks on.)
