Public Success, Private Struggle (Press, 27 September 1986)

Leone Stewart interviews Virginia Myers regarding her book "Head and Shoulders," which features interviews with successful New Zealand women, including Labour Party backbencher Helen Clark. Myers highlights the sexist nature of some figures within the Labour Government, alongside the emotional struggles of women in a male-dominated political landscape. The book aims to reveal the personal challenges these women faced while achieving success in non-traditional roles. Myers's well-crafted interviews go beyond standard media portrayals, providing insight into the lives of nine accomplished women. The book covers the evolving environment for women journalists in New Zealand, noting that interest in addressing gender balance has increased significantly in the past decade. Women are forming networks for mutual support and practical assistance in their careers. Each interview subject had a unique journey—while some, like Helen Clark and runner Anne Audain, found their careers emerging naturally, others struggled with identity and faced emotional challenges. Virginia Myers devoted nine months to the project, which led her to leave her position at the National Business Review. She conducted multiple interviews with each subject, frequently accommodating their busy lives as mothers and professionals. The book illustrates the dynamic of juggling numerous responsibilities and provides a window into the personal hardships often hidden behind public success. Myers selected her subjects based on admiration and the desire to portray what it takes for women to thrive in competitive fields. Her research uncovered much about their public lives but less about their private experiences of pressure, exhaustion, and personal loss. Notably, Helen Clark's political role is clarified as she is not aligned with Jim Anderton, while Finance Minister Roger Douglas acknowledges the value of listening to strong women. Myers identified common themes in her subjects' backgrounds, such as socioeconomic challenges, suggesting that these struggles have motivated them. In contrast, younger women today might be drawn to more traditional male roles, losing some of the unique perspectives that earlier generations embodied. Myers acknowledges the role models these women have become, illustrating that their journeys required significant sacrifices. The interviews portray a range of successes, showcasing how breaking stereotypes can lead to fulfilling achievements. Myers expresses uncertainty about whether "Head and Shoulders" will incite broader change, but she hopes it sparks conversation and reflection. The initial 3000 copies printed have already sold out, leading to a planned reprint. Myers is also contemplating a future project on successful New Zealand men but questions whether they would be willing to speak as openly as the women featured in "Head and Shoulders."

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