Now that you know exactly what Ms. Cliffe has done let’s delve into her journey in politics as a woman. Born South of Wales in Britain, Ms.Cliffe grew up in an coal mining area, full of bad conditions and constant strikes. She recalls that the “people there were working so hard but they were often only working for themselves. [She] became interested in politics when she was 13 or 14” after realizing that she wanted to help people in similar situations. However, she didn't really know what she wanted to do until later because she “didn’t grew up in an area where people did [what she does now].”
Ms. Cliffe explains how she’s “seen both advantages and disadvantages as a woman in [her] field.” She feels like she possesses a “different style” or perception of what needs to be done and how to do it. Ms. Cliffe exclaims while she has "a particularly strong vision of what [she] would like to do [she] still wants to listen to other people's comments and ideas.” In regards to disadvantages, she remembers “in one of [her] first jobs they had a regulation that said you could only show your legs if they were fit and slim, if they were not then you were required to wear stockings!” Another example would be the many times where “people would schedule appointments to discuss what [she thought] was business when they really wanted to play [and take advantage of her]” (She means by ALCOHOL!!!).
When I asked what some of her most valuable lessons she’s learned through public service were she replied “not to focus on only the big ideas and strategy but more the follow up. Without a follow up the strategy and plan will fall though.” I interpreted what she was saying here as you can’t just instate regulations made to help a country without checking in and reiterating the plan later on. It's not about doing something for a country or an individual person and then saying “okay I’m done here, bye.” It's about continuing to work with the people to make sure that it’s the best possible solution for the problem.