Is it because she is a woman? Well, sadly, yes
Am I glad that French finance minister Christine Lagarde has been appointed the head of the International Monetary Fund? Yes, of course. Am I partly glad simply because she is a woman? Also, yes, I'm sad to say. It would be nice to live in a world in which female appointments to high places were unremarkable. But that ain't this world.
I can't help cringing at the irony though. Lagarde got her chance because her predecessor, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, had to resign after being charged with attempted rape? Can't have that happening twice in a row . . . How to be ultra-sure . . . Of course Lagarde got her new job on merit. She is clearly a woman of formidable intellect, excellent communication skills and vast relevant experience.
She will certainly need those assets. But it should not be forgotten that she is the first woman to hold this post. And it should not be forgotten either that one man, in a long list of men, had to get into an extreme and shocking situation before that space became available to her. One thing is for sure. She will be under scrutiny not just because of her position, but also because of her sex.
For all sorts of reasons, a successful stint will be worth celebrating.
Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jun/29/celebrating-new-head-imf
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