
ILO gender equality chief makes 100 most influential list
The Chief of the ILO´s Gemder 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.
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.
About Olney
“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.
Most recently she has led the ILO’s Women at Work Centenary Initiative and was a Deputy member of the UN Secretary-General’s High-level Panel on Women’s Economic Empowerment .
“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.”