As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Paul Borrow-Longain wanted to take the opportunity to acknowledge, and thank, the many wonderful females who have achieved so much in their own right, have empowered others, and have positively affected him on a personal level.
From my earlier memory both of his grandmothers, Elizabeth and Patricia, have played critical roles in his life, and have made their marks in their own ways. Be that by becoming a female entrepreneur, supporting charitable projects, and arguably the most difficult task – being a female role model throughout his life. Never outwardly seeking attention or admiration, just dedicated to the passions they had/have, and quietly making significant positive difference.
When discussing female leaders it would be impossible not to acknowledge the life and achievements of our late Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth II, who, from 1952 till 2022, some 70 years, has been a role model to millions of people across the globe. Throughout history our greatest achievements have been during the reigns of our Queens- Elizabeth I, Victoria and Elizabeth II (to name three). While it’s important to have an International Women’s Day, it’s equally important to remember that females have been at the very centre of things for centuries.
What would have been achieved by King George VI, without Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother); Lady Margaret Beauford, famous for her role in the Cousins War (better known as The War of the Roses); and the list could go on and on.
In every area of life we have seen truly outstanding, intelligent, informed, and dedicated ladies leading the way. We have seen from politics The Rt Hon Baroness Thatcher and The Rt Hon Baroness Boothroyd; from the world of science Prof Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell and Maria Skłodowska-Curie; and from the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Sharon Nesmith and Rear Admiral Judith Terry OBE.
In his own experience he’s seen female philanthropists and entrepreneurs, and is honoured to call many of them friends.
Paul would be a sailboat, without a compass to navigate by, if he didn’t have the support, guidance and advice from Samantha.
