After the death of Britain’s longest-serving monarch, it has been interesting to watch the many unfolding events being broadcast. What seems quite striking is the visible presence of women in each of the ceremonies and events, with Princess Anne making history, by becoming the first female royal to take part in the Vigil of the Princes.
The presence of female palace officials, military, politicians or clergy is in sharp contrast to the number of women represented in these roles back in 1952. As the world reflects upon Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy, one of the themes that begins to emerge is, the influential role she has played in the changes that have taken place, to establish women on the world stage.
Queen Elizabeth II was not recognised outspokenly as a feminist, her job required her to be non-partisan, but she had a huge impact on the lives of women by providing a dignified and understated form of rule that proved how influential women could be.
In 1966 England won the World Cup which became an historical moment, but Queen Elizabeth II chose not to congratulate the England's football team during her Christmas broadcast, but instead focused on the challenges faced by women.
Queen Elizabeth II spoke about many countries who's custom had decreed that women should play a minor part in public affairs and that it was less than fifty years (1928) since women were first given the vote in Britain, despite Parliament being first asked to grant this in 1867. Highlighting the struggles faced when trying to make monumental changes, which shape the future for generations to come.
At the time of the Queen's speech abortion was still illegal and gender discrimination was still very present within the workplace. Whilst strides had been taken to achieve a rightful place for women within society, which the Queen emulated within her own role, there were still huge leaps that were needed.
King George VI's untimely death, meant Elizabeth became Queen at the young age of 25, which led to an influential reign of 70 years. We have all witnessed a women, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother undertake her duties with strength, dignity and conviction without faltering and with dedication until her death. But why does there still remain this sense of difference between genders? Women may now have a right to vote, to be the Prime Minister and the Queen even changed the law with the introduction of the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, to enable Princess Charlotte to be an heir to the throne, but how can we change the mindset of those who still treat women less favourably?
On 9 March 2013 a number of Google searches were undertaken that returned shocking results. These results were formed into a series of ads by the United Nations Women, that highlighted the continued inequality for women and the need to make a change to readdress the balance. UN Women have asked people to join the conversation with the hashtag #womenshould. These simple two words are strong words that can change our thought processes and preconceptions. Language is so powerful and influential, so think about how your language can shape the thoughts of those around you and create a sense of equality for women.