Never Learn to Type: A Woman at the United Nations

by Margaret Joan Anstee

A fascinating account of a remarkable life that took the author, through hard work and determination, from rural England to the highest ranks of the United Nations Dame Margaret Anstee was born in the 1920s to a poor family in rural Essex. With the support of her parents and through her own determination, she graduated from Cambridge with first class honours, and entered the Foreign Office where she worked with the spy Donald Maclean shortly before his defection with Guy Burgess. Her career here ended as was customary at the time, when she married a diplomat and was posted to Singapore. As the marriage began to fail Margaret accepted a job at the United Nations in order to earn her fare back to England. It was the start of a career that was to push the boundaries at every step. She became the first woman to be posted to her beloved South America, where she drove through the Andes in her VW Beetle, she headed up the first Government think tank during Harold Wilson’s Government and she was the first woman to break the glass ceiling at the United Nations. Dame Margaret Anstee served the United Nations for four decades, both at the New York Headquarters and in some of the poorest countries of the world attempting to help the victims of war, poverty and natural disasters. Throughout this time Dame Margaret has worked relentlessly to overcome the inequalities between the developed and developing world, a battle that she considers essential for the survival of both worlds. Praise for Never Learn to "Her achievements are truly inspirational."
— The Rt Hon. Jack Straw MP , Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs "The preamble of the UN Charter announces the commitment... to... reaffirm the faith in the fundamental dignity and worth of the human person.... No one has lived for these principles more selflessly or diligently than Margaret Anstee. Her life... is inspirational, and her story is highly recommended."
— Jimmy Carter , Former President of the United States of America (awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 2002) "...a true pioneer of the international community... an account of a rich and fascinating life, as well as the kind of insight only the insider can provide into the nature of conflict, development and the work for peace."
— Kofi A. Annan , Secretary-General of the United Nations "...a remarkable and entertaining account of her adventures in many parts of the world."
— Boutros Boutros-Ghali , Former Secretary-General of the United Nations "...she became, with all my support and pleasure, the first woman Under Secretary-General."
— Javier Pérez de Cuéllar , Former Secretary-General of the United Nations "An extraordinary book about an extraordinary life.... A story written with wit, charm and affection.... Thank God she never learned to type but learned to think and care!
— Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada , President of Bolivia "A truly absorbing account of achievement and adventure, by a remarkable woman... she engages and holds the reader's attention from beginning to end."
— The Rt Hon. The Lord Howe of Aberavon CH QC "Anyone who doubts the usefulness of the UN should read her book."
— The Rt Hon. Lord Hurd of Westwell CH CBE PC "...a witness to many of the momentous events that shaped the last 50 years... this is a writer who sets off up rivers, into the plains, mountains and deserts to get to the heart of a country... a remarkable story told by a remarkable lady."
— Rt Hon. Peter Hain MP, Secretary of State for Wales "...she also writes of romance and travel, friendship and daily incident - even about making herself a ball-gown out of a parachute and dancing the night away."
— Onora O'Neill , Principal, Newnham College Cambridge Hard Talk - with Dame Margaret Anstee On the practicality of the United
“The UN is always judged on political grounds, where compromise is inescapable. Critics invariably forget the myriad practical achievements in the economic, social and humanitarian fields that benefit millions of human beings." On the future role of the
"As Adlai Stevenson said, 'If it didn't exist, it would have to be invented.' The role of the UN in nurturing peace and international cooperation and bringing about better conditions of living for the deprived of the world is essential for security in its broadest sense (human security). But a sea-change in the policies of member states is needed which peoples everywhere should urge on their governments." On the role Britain should play in global politics and the war against
"Britain should play a major and statesmanlike role of promotion of firm but balanced international policies, using its long experience to moderate and mediate between extreme positions." On
"Successive U.S. administrations have traditionally been ambivalent towards the UN. At the outset of a new century it is troubling to see this attitude personified and expanded by a President who seems to regard the UN as a fig leaf to be resorted to only when expedient." On
"Blair has ...

560 pages, Hardcover

First published May 15, 2003

Reviews

[Raxa Mehta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly inspiring story of a life well lived. Through the trials of working through the ranks of the UN, before equality on the grounds of gender was legislated, Dame Margaret Anstee tells a rich and vibrant story of her relentless quest for social development and world peace. It is decorated with richly told anecdotes that sometimes defy belief and are at other times hilarious, her sense of humour is as evident as her sense of justice. Mostly, I take with me her patience and fortitude with working with all the limitations of the UN.

[Sarah]

Absolutely fascinating woman who did ground breaking work for the United Nations in many of its key areas of activity throughout the 20th century.

The book is a bit of a slog at times as there are so many acronyms and committees and people with incredibly long bames and job titles. But Margaret Anstee herself is fascinating, very articulate, very passionate about international development and a thoroughly self-made woman with an incredibly impressive career.

The title appealed to me too. When I was in 6th form studying for A levels, I got a bit disillusioned and decided I would leave and go to the tech college and learn shorthand and typing so I could be an executive secretary. When I announced this to my dad he very cleverly asked if I wouldn't prefer to be the person dictating the letters, rather than the one typing them. I stomped off, furious at his impeccable logic.

Thirty-odd years later I have A levels, a degree and a post grad diploma. I did learn to type, with the advent if computers it was a useful skilll, but only much later. I don't claim a career as interesting or with as much global impact as Margaret Anstee's, but it is engaging and has suited me much better than typing someone else's letters.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating insight into the life of the first woman to reach the rank of Under Secretary General of the UN. Although the book does get a bit bogged down in the detail of UN reform at times, the personal aspects of Margaret Anstee's life and her first hand account of what went on behind closed doors during many recent historically significant events are absorbing.

And it wasn't just her professional life that was progressive - as a single woman in a man's world in an era when women gave up their jobs when they got married, she defied any number of social conventions.

Interesting read - probably a 3.5.

[Nathalie Meurens · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly inspiring and wonderful read about the remarkable life of Margaret Anstee. I admired very much the author's passion, wit and drive to breaking barriers for women. In particular remarkable, her work ethic and how she kept going, following her own truth and values despite pressure and critics.

[Marne · Rating 5 out of 5]

what an inspirational life!