Celebrating women in local government

This International Women’s Day (8 March), the two councils will be celebrating the women that the public has elected to represent them and the vital role they have in shaping the two districts for now and for future generations.

Broadland District Council’s first female elected Leader, Cllr Sue Holland, has overall responsibility for all decisions made by the Council, such as setting council tax, housing, supporting businesses, planning and waste collection.

She said:

“Two thirds of elected councillors across the UK are men and 95% of local councils are male dominated, so although women have made inroads, we still have a steep hill to climb before we reach equal gender representation.”

Cllr Holland’s Deputy, Cllr Natasha Harpley, who is the Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing also steers decisions and shapes policies, which help improve the lives of the district’s residents. She said:

“Whilst it’s worth celebrating the fact that Broadland District Council has women in key leadership roles for the first time, it’s also disappointing to note that we have fewer women councillors overall than in previous years. “Historically, I have stood against more men named John than against women candidates, so to me, that’s indicative of work still needing to be done to encourage more women to stand as councillors and to represent their communities.”

Cllr Kay Mason Billig is not only a Member for South Norfolk Council, but she is also the elected Leader and Head of Service for Norfolk County Council. This is one of the most influential roles in the County and she is responsible for countless decisions that affect our everyday lives.

Cllr Mason Billig said:

“Some people prefer a nice young man to represent them, so getting elected when you’re up against one can be more difficult. Although this attitude has improved, there is still some prejudice and outdated views of what a Councillor should look like. We are there to do a job and gender is irrelevant.”

South Norfolk Council also has highly influential women within their Cabinet. Councillor Kim Carsok, the Cabinet Member for Healthy and Active Lifestyles, and Councillor Lisa Overton-Neal who represents Stronger, Greener Economy.

Cllr Lisa Overton-Neal began her political journey in 2007, when she was 33 and says the attitude of her male colleagues towards her has noticeably improved throughout the last 17 years.

“When I was first elected, a lot of the more experienced male Councillors would speak over me and not listen to my opinion, which was extremely frustrating. Now, however, I am listened to and I can influence policy and determine decisions. “I feel very proud to represent women. You can achieve anything you want with hard work and passion.”

Cllr Kim-Carsok, who has recently been working to improve the Council’s leisure facilities and supporting large-scale community projects, said:

“Women are often the most experienced at juggling many roles. The Councillor role is so varied and ever-changing and it's a perfect fit for anyone who wears many hats in life.”

She added:

“Women have come a long way in local politics, but the work isn’t over yet!”