Former Ireland President Mary Robinson Highlights Systemic Misogyny in Leadership Roles
During a panel discussion following a special screening of the documentary 'Mrs Robinson' in Ahmedabad, former Ireland President Mary Robinson, a renowned climate justice advocate and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, attributed the scarcity of women in top leadership positions to pervasive misogyny and a male-dominated system. The event, organized by the Embassy and Consulate General of Ireland in collaboration with the Ahmedabad Management Association, honored St Brigid's Day, celebrating Ireland's first female patron saint.
Robinson Calls for Gender Parity Over Equality
When questioned about the underrepresentation of women as heads of state, Robinson emphasized the need for parity rather than mere gender equality. She argued that if 50% of countries were led by women, the world would likely be safer and more balanced. "What we need in the world is not gender equality but parity," Robinson stated, highlighting the importance of governments and parliaments that better reflect societal diversity. According to UN data, only 19 countries currently have women as heads of state.
Documentary Chronicles Robinson's Trailblazing Journey
The feature-length documentary, directed by Aoife Kelleher, traces Robinson's life from her upbringing as Mary Bourke in conservative Ireland, where she grew up with four brothers, to her legal studies at Harvard University during the Vietnam War protests. It also covers her marriage to lawyer Nicholas Robinson, who became her steadfast support, and her historic 1990 presidential election victory, largely driven by women's votes. The film includes emotional moments, such as her visit to Somalia, where she expressed shame for reacting to cameras while holding a famine-stricken baby.
Robinson's Personal Reflections and Climate Advocacy
During her visit to Ahmedabad, Robinson recalled her 1995 trip to the Gandhi Ashram on October 2, coinciding with her daughter's birthday and Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary, which made her feel guilty for being far from home. This week, she returned with her 20-year-old granddaughter Amy, visiting SEWA centres with director Reema Nanavaty. On the climate crisis, Pat Mitchell, the film's executive producer and former PBS CEO, noted that many young people have found purpose and focus in addressing environmental issues.
Advice for Youth and Event Attendees
Robinson offered advice to the youth, urging them to disconnect from technology and prioritize relationships and self-reflection. "Turn off your phone, take time for relationships, take time to think, take time to almost have nothing to do and then you find that you find yourself," she said. The screening was attended by Ambassador of Ireland to India Kevin Kelly, Consul General Patrick Duffy, and AMA officials, including vice president Mohal Sarabhai and honorary secretary Gopi Trivedi.
