If you need proof that taking a gamble with positive discrimination is worth a shot, look at the career of Christine Lagarde, head of the International Monetary Fund. When appointed France’s first female finance minister in 2007, it was widely regarded as – at least in part – because she was a woman. Look at her now.

Ever since she stepped on to the international stage with her banker-bashing rhetoric nearly a decade ago, Lagarde has impressed many with wit and intelligence as well as reforming zeal. She's now the hot favourite to fill every big job that comes up - president of the European Commission being the latest. The BBC's Andrew Marr would have her as Queen.