A difficult woman

This week we have seen Teresa May described repeatedly as a difficult woman, but what does this mean and is it a compliment or a bad thing? Nicola Sturgeon has acquired the same label, and I dare say if you asked him, my husband might describe me this way from time to time too! In this case it usually means he hasn't won an argument!

Lets not forget, its a woman who picked up the pieces after the Brexit vote, when so many male colleagues deserted the ship. So what does being “difficult” actually mean?

If it means being firm, forthright and focussed, isn’t that what we need? Politics aside, a strong negotiator, who is well rehearsed, who understands the value they bring to the table and has a few aces up their sleeve is a good thing right? Wrong apparently if you are a woman. These qualities might be admired in a man, but in a woman they are often seen as negative and are always mentioned in a derisive and undermining way. Our stereotype views of men and women are outdated, get in the way of us doing business and being equal partners round the table.

Isn’t it time we stopped focussing on the personal qualities of our female leaders and side issues like what they are wearing and focus instead on what they are achieving and their policies? There are undoubtedly hard times ahead. Times which are too big for politicking, too big for soundbites and too big for being personal.  We need to celebrate and support women from across the political spectrum who have stepped up, women who can be tough, women who rise to the occasion, women who can drive things through and execute change, women who can make a difference.

So hurrah for those “difficult” women, for trying to get the job done, for using all of their skills, abilities and qualities and for not being afraid to step up to the plate. By all means question the policies but lets not attack the very qualities exhibited by both men and women that we need to secure Britain’s future in the world.