GENEVA (ILO NEWS) – The Chief of the ILO’s Gender Equality and Diversity branch, Shauna Olney, has been named as one of the most influential people in gender equality in 2019.
Her name is among the top 100 chosen by Apolitical, a peer-to-peer learning platform used by public servants and policymakers in more than 170 countries.
The final 100 were chosen from more than 9,000 nominations. Those chosen as the most influential include politicians, civil servants, academics, activists, as well as unsung heroes driving change around the world.
It is a tribute to the work of so many in the ILO who had the courage and tenacity to push the boundaries, and make the ILO so visible and credible on gender equality policy."
Shauna Olney, Chief of the ILO’s Gender Equality and Diversity branch
On the list are Michelle Obama, former US First Lady, Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Gates Foundation, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, director of UN Women and founder of the HeforShe campaign and Ruth Bader-Ginsburg, associate justice of the US Supreme Court.
“I am deeply honoured to be included among such a distinguished group. It is a tribute to the work of so many in the ILO who had the courage and tenacity to push the boundaries, and make the ILO so visible and credible on gender equality policy. It has been a privilege to be part of that journey with them,” Olney said.
Olney began her career as a lawyer, specializing in industrial relations, labour law and human rights. She has worked at the ILO since 1991, putting gender equality at the heart of her work.
“It’s time to showcase the inspirational people who are pioneering change and shaping gender policy around the globe,” said Apolitical Executive Chairman Lisa Witter. “We hope that this list will highlight the people who are committed to making the world a better place for everyone.”
