In memory of Dame Margaret Joan Anstee

Many years ago, in the early days of Cherish PR, we had the pleasure of meeting and collaborating with Dame Margaret Joan Anstee on an International Women's Day campaign. Dame Anstee sadly died in 2016 but to this day, she epitomises a genuinely great woman and reflects the enormous change in opportunity for women that occurred during the 20th Century.

On this #IWD2023, we would like to share her work with our followers, and if you haven't heard of her incredible achievements, we would recommend that you read her book, "Never Learn to Type", a fantastic account of life as a woman inside the United Nations .

Growing up in England in the thirties, Margaret Anstee dreamed of traveling to distant lands and set about making it her mission to achieve this. She resolutely refused to let the fact that she was a woman stand in her way, using her intellect - she attended 英国剑桥大学 - and her sharp wit and energy to drive her towards her ambitions.

After working in the Foreign Office with Donald Maclean (who was later uncovered as a Russian spy!), she moved to the Philippines, accepting a job at the United Nations. It was here that she broke through the barriers imposed upon women at the time, traveled the world and placed herself firmly at the heart of world affairs, meeting Presidents, Prime Ministers and shaping international relations for the future.

Most importantly, Margaret Anstee worked tirelessly against the effects of war and poverty, two horrors that we still face today. Her strong personal conviction held her steadfast and made her a true pioneer for women on an international stage.

This International Women's Day, we thank you Dame Margaret Anstee for your truly inspirational life.