Head of EU foreign affairs, Baroness Catherine Ashton
|
After almost eight years of wrangling, the European Union (EU) has finally appointed the official European Council president and a foreign affairs high representative.
The latter of which happens to be Briton Baroness Catherine Ashton, a woman who has found herself on the international centre-stage.
After female Members of the European Parliament (MEP) demanded that the European Commission in Brussels give one of the newly created top jobs to a woman, Ashton the former EU trade commissioner, has pulled through to the end of the battle and now holds one of the world’s most powerful governmental posts. This news sees a spectacular rise by many standards considering that Ashton held a relatively junior role in the British cabinet not more than 13 months ago.
A letter detailing the availability of women within the European Commission who were experienced enough to do the job and do it well was posted on 15 November on The Financial Times website. The letter signed by Margot Wallstrom (Vice President, European Commission), Diana Wallis (Vice President, European Parliament) and Neelie Kroes (European Commissioner) stated ‘There is no lack of names; no shortage of quality or competence.’
Furthermore the letter identified the issue of under representation in the European Commission: ‘Women make up a majority of the population, and in the 21st century European democracy cannot afford to use only half of its people’s talents, ideas and experiences.’
Ashton, or Cathy as she likes to be called, started her career in economics after studying at Bedford College in the late 1970s. After working in a public service job at a Hertfordshire health authority she was later appointed as a junior education minister. It was not until 2007 that Ashton entered the British cabinet.
Ashton’s job will entail a great deal, including areas of crisis such as Iran’s nuclear policy and Europe’s relationship with the Middle East and Russia. She will also be the first point of contact for anything and everything to do with EU foreign policies. This job is no easy task and holds a great amount of responsibility. Ashton will be ranking just below the likes of Hilary Clinton and Angela Merkel under the list of most powerful women.
Needless to say, Ashton has already received a lot of criticisms surrounding her inexperience and general unsuitability for the role, but Ashton has stood strong and supported her selection by stating that she was ‘the best person for the job’. Ashton went onto to further reiterate her aptness by saying ‘Judge me by what I do and I think you’ll be pleased and proud of me,” she said. “Am I an ego on legs? No, I’m not.”
This decision has prevented the EU being perceived as an anti female institution and has loosened the so-called ‘male stranglehold’ on the EU.
Avnee Dave
20.11.2009
| 
Win a four pack of baby Swaddles!
Win an aromatherapy massage!