When I first left university, I thought about going into the private sector. But I discovered when I went to interview that I could only have a career in the back office, or doing HR. The attitude was, 'My dear lady, you cannot possibly think about going on the board.'
Pauline Neville-Jones, a British politician, reflects on her early career choices. She initially considered entering the private sector but found that women were limited to administrative or HR roles, making it difficult to pursue leadership positions.
This quote highlights the challenges women face in the workplace, particularly in male-dominated industries, and the need for greater diversity and inclusion.
The quote is set in the context of the 1980s, a time when women's roles in the workforce were still evolving and gender equality was not yet a mainstream concern.
Pauline Neville-Jones is a British politician and former diplomat who served as the UK's first female Director General of MI5, the domestic counter-intelligence and security agency.
This quote can be applied to contemporary discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, highlighting the need for greater representation and opportunities for women and underrepresented groups.