ALL around the world, women are still vying for a seat at the table.

But in Winchester, they are dominating many of the top roles, from politics to policing and everything in between.

With International Women’s Day taking place recently, the Chronicle took a look at the women taking the city from strength to strength.

From mayor Cllr Jane Rutter to university vice-chancellor Professor Joy Carter, female leaders are visible right across the board.

In February, the Dean of Winchester Cathedral, the Very Reverend Catherine Ogle, started her new role, making her the first women appointed to the post.

She was also only the third woman to be appointed as Dean in the Church of England when she was appointed Dean of Birmingham in 2010.

In politics, Winchester City Council is now led by Caroline Horrill, who was elected following the departure of Stephen Godfrey earlier this year.

She said that having self-belief and confidence was important for women.

“I think in my career in politics it has changed and it is better,” she said.

“I always think for women the balance of work and home life is another thing, especially being a mother – having a support mechanism in place is important.”

Speaking about the glass ceiling, she added: “I don’t think it has been entirely broken. If we look at certain sectors and industries and certain parts of the world, certain cultural norms don’t make it easy.

“But I think that the more women that take leadership roles, they are encouraging those looking on from elsewhere.”

City councillor Jan Warwick, portfolio holder for the environment, said: “I believe it is important and just for women to be equally represented in top positions in the city as we also make up around half of the resident population of Winchester.

“Women tend to interact daily with the services provided by local government such as childcare, education, adult care as well as championing issues such as air quality, wise planning, transport safety and recycling. Women councillors are good role models for youngsters considering a career in politics.

“Experience as a councillor is an excellent springboard from local to national politics as we quickly learn to listen, challenge, debate and decide on a broad range of decisions affecting the daily lives of our residents.

“Here in Winchester we have a female chief executive as well as 23 women councillors.

“The Cabinet is now balanced at four men and four women, although the leader and deputy are women.

“So I think we are actually doing very well with many well qualified professional councillors from a range of backgrounds prepared to serve their community.”

In the business world, Catherine Turness has been the executive director of Winchester BID since 2015.

She said: “I feel it is important that there is a gender balance in leading roles and that all individuals are given the equal opportunity to apply themselves.

“Most recently in Winchester, there has been a noticeable change with more women in leading roles, including the new chief executive at Winchester City Council, the first female Dean at the Cathedral and the new Chief Constable.

“I would personally like to see more women joining boards.

“Many non-executive boards that I’m aware of tend to be more male oriented.

“It would be encouraging to see more females put themselves forward for these positions.”