Reading time: 3 - 5 minutes
Video Time: 1 hour 34 seconds****Q&A starts at the 40 minute mark****
Mary Robinson’s resume of civil service work is impressive; she was President of Ireland from 1990-1997 and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997-2002. In this in-depth interview with Fred Andrle at Ohio State University, she discusses eloquently her continuing global human rights efforts.
One issue tackled right off the bat is the role of women in politics. The question of whether or not female leaders are inherently different or better than male leaders is raised, and while Robinson contends throughout the interview that women do bring a different perspective to the table than men, she’s quick to point out her view doesn’t mean that one gender is inherently better than the other in the realm of civil service. Her assertion that having more women in political and leadership positions is essential to progress is a simple but extremely relevant claim. The contributions females can and have made to public service are indispensable and we must continue to support and promote the progress of female leaders. Clearly, the issue of the role of women in the world comes up often in this interview, and there is much for us to learn as Robinson talks about her experience with women’s issues across the globe.
Robinson earnestly encourages us to become more active in our communities, and to research ways that we can affect global issues like human rights and poverty, and despite her knowledge of some very devastating situations throughout the world, she remains optimistic. Her thoughtful and often quick-witted answers illustrate her extensive knowledge and wide-ranging experience, and will certainly keep you intrigued throughout the interview. Hopefully her optimism and enthusiasm will inspire you to make a difference in your life and your community either through your own efforts at giving back or with ideas as to how you can create, or tailor your own business, in a way that helps address these world concerns.
Important points to focus on in the interview:
- Her story of “the light in the window” while she was the President of Ireland, which shows her creativity in leadership.
- The discussion of her efforts with the Council of Women World Leaders and other important organizations.
- Her reaction to how the U.S. perceives the possibility of a woman president and the issue of sexism.
- The discussion on women’s health issues, in which she passionately argues that this needs to become a priority.
- The issue of global poverty, what efforts have been made to combat it and specifically how the private sector has become involved.
- Her suggestions on how the individual can get involved in global issues and make a difference –Take notes!
- Her discussion of the much accepted notion that the education of adolescent girls is essential to the success of developing nations.
- The final twenty minutes of the interview which is the question and answer portion- it starts off with the problem of poverty here in the U.S. and what we as individuals can do to help.
Enjoy, and happy learning!
