There’s good reason why strong female role models deter other women from aiming for the top | Martha Gill

When those who reach the highest office suffer such brutal misogyny, is it any wonder that breaking the glass ceiling doesn't look like much fun?

I was interested to see Rain Newton-Smith's sudden promotion to boss of the Confederation of British Industry - so toxic" with unchecked misogyny" that both main parties have broken off contact and there is some doubt it will survive at all - celebrated in various quarters as a victory for women.

This particular route to female promotion is, after all, rather common, and I always feel it could be better represented in film: the captain of the flooding submarine, busted bank or exploding Death Star announcing chivalrously over the Tannoy that some brilliantly qualified" woman will now be taking charge; he has every confidence" she is up to the steep climb ahead of her". (Cue stirring ambition in the hearts of young female maintenance droids throughout the ship, for its final few moments.)

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