Councillor Joan Stocker

What made you decide to become a councillor?

Through church and community work I have been involved in service in the community. I had been a Parish Councillor. I was a Liberal Democrat party member and I knew the district and County Councillors and liked what they were doing. They are a great team, serving local people.

Who is your female role model and why?

No-one! I have just always wanted to be valued as a person. I never really experienced inequalities of treatment or pay and enjoyed an equal relationship in marriage and work.

Why is it important to have women councillors?

It is important to have good councillors who together represent the population. So with half the population we should have half women. Age, ethnicity, “life experience” balance are also important to ensure a balanced, informed view of the issues in Cumbria.

100 years on what are the battles still to be fought?

We are not using the talents and abilities of women if they are not fully represented in management at all levels. Both men and women should feel comfortable about developing skills and ambitions in caring, creative and management jobs. I feel very frustrated that people are not using their vote and especially women when it was so hard won.

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