This week, Dame Sarah Mullally became the first woman to take on one of the most high-profile roles in British public life as she was officially confirmed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. It is undeniably momentous. But the fact that this feels historic in 2026 raises an uncomfortable question. Why is a woman reaching the top still considered such a breakthrough?
It isn’t because progress hasn’t been made. Women now lead countries, companies, and institutions that once felt permanently closed to us. But when you look at the numbers, the imbalance is stark.
