Councillor Anjana Patel, London Borough of Harrow

More women should have a high profile in public life because their visible presence is a powerful message to other women and the community generally. I actively use my influence to further the equality of women, particularly women from an ethnic minority background. Legislation can only go so far in addressing inequality. It’s really about changing perceptions not only about women, but also women’s own perceptions about what it means to be ‘in power’. As a councillor I’m a visible role model for the ethnic minority community and I’d hope that I inspire more women to follow my example.

Joella Hazel, Outreach Officer, Fawcett Society

Having women in power is crucial: research shows women address women’s issues. Ensuring women are supported to influence positive change for other women is also important. Interestingly, Fawcett Society’s Routes to Power study on ethnic minority women’s access to power shows that advancing equality and fighting for social justice is every day business for ethnic minority women in politics. Once in positions of power, they champion both race and gender issues. It’s not something they have to be “prepared” to do; instead this is their motivation for accessing power and their position is seen as a means of effecting change.

Ros Taylor, deputy editor of the Guardian’s Comment is free blog

We expect a lot of women in power: they must be on top of their brief, ensure any family responsibilities do not affect their job, and remain immune from caricature. Does a successful woman also have a duty to campaign specifically on women's behalf? Of course not. If she wants to improve the lot of other women, all power to her - but if she simply wants to pursue her own talents and work for the common good, then that is quite enough. Living the promise of equality makes her an inspiration to other women and a tremendous ambassador for her sex.

Lee Chalmers, Director, The Downing Street Project

Is it enough for what? If we are only looking to balance the numbers then sure, it’s enough to just have women in power. I don’t think this is what the women’s movement was about and I certainly don’t think it’s what the world needs from us now. Women’s collaborative, multi-dimensional leadership style is highly effective at dealing with the complex situations we face as a species. Women in power need to use those skills to lead us and do whatever they can to get as many other women as possible into positions of power to be able to do the same.