In my very early teens, a great-uncle of mine nicknamed me "Gypsy", because of my penchant for, among other things, hoop earrings, little imagining, I am sure, that most of my life would indeed be spent
traveling the world.
I do that for work, wisdom-gathering
and pleasure.
Shipping was our family business.
I had wanted to go to sea and be
a ship’s captain.
My mother said a hard, "No."
My father entered politics. I thought I would join him on campaign platforms and podiums various. "I'll be good," I said. I was an excellent speaker even when I was very young. "You would, actually, and you are," my father agreed,
but he still said, "No."
I asked to go to university in the Caribbean,
our home region.
Both of my parents said,
"No. Off to England you go."
Over the course of my journey, a veritable odyssey at times, I 've met some wonderful teachers and enjoyed some great successes. I've endured some very hard lessons and losses, laughed at myself and with others – a lot! – and cried for myself and others at least as much.
I came through intact.
Mostly!
I am proud of my accomplishments and I love the work that, "No!" has made me do.
I wrote books, papers and news articles, spoke in schools, parliaments, conference rooms and coffee shops, and explored food, fashion and history in places like Italy, Zambia, Venezuela, Argentina, South Africa, China, Bangladesh, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago...
In 2015, the members of the CPA, the UK-based Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, elected me Vice-chairperson, to help lead their work among the180 parliaments across the 53 countries
- and almost 3 000 000 000 (three billion) people -
that comprised the membership.
I'm a writer and global speaker whose work is expressed through thought leadership and advocating for women in
leadership and politics.
My work, therefore, includes being director of For Political Women, convener of the Sovereignty Circle, co-chair of the Montserrat Conference, and editor of Wisdom, Folly and Fabulous Shoes.
Born on a tiny tropical island,
I am now a relentless advocate for women's sovereignty, security and leadership,
worldwide.
I am also a sailor, dancer, hiker, fashion enthusiast and shoe devotee who utilises every aspect of my life and experiences to support and advocate for women's inclusion, security and empowerment, everywhere.
M. Vasquez, MP
Tunde Onakoya - Nigerian Chess Champion
Arundhati Roy - War Talk
