The Rise of Female Leaders

Women's Social and Political 
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More and more women are reaching the top of the political ladder and the increasing rise of female leaders is a great achievement. The suffragettes fought for women’s right and the fruits of their hard work has been clearly showcased throughout the years. Emily Davison is a key example of the devotion and commitment of the feminist movement in Britain and the passion its members held for the cause. She joined the WSPU in 1906 and even gave up her job as a teacher to devote herself wholly to the cause. On June 4th 1913, Davison ran in front of the King's horse at the Derby and was knocked unconscious, and later died. This incident clearly shows the lengths to which women went to get the vote, and the recognition for women as equal citizens, something which which many of us take for granted, and is truly inspiring, yet it must be recognised that the fight for gender equality and and societal acceptance of women as equals is certainly not over. However, the changed position of females in politics and indeed government since those times must not be overlooked, and is definitely a result of the dedicated suffragettes of the 1900s.

Merkel, the German Chancellor since 2005

In terms of global politics, Angela Merkel is definitely an example of the rise of women's position in politics, as the German chancellor since 2005 and arguably the most powerful women in the world. In 2013 she won the parliamentary elections for the third time and this resulted in her ruling of a strong conservative party. Merkel has also heavily influenced Europe and has become passionate in saving the Euro. Merkel was interested in politics from a young age and this passion has resulted in her becoming one of the strongest leaders in the world.  Politics always surrounded Merkel, and she supported the pro-democracy movement in Eastern Germany during the fall of communism. She also served a time in the Eastern German government. This resulted in her joining the Kohl’s conservative CDU party and eventually fought to become the party’s leader in 2000.

During her leadership she has become a confident, pragmatic leader and is well respected. She is often likened to Margaret Thatcher who often challenged EU decisions, and though Merkel’s opinions and decisions may not be welcomed by everyone, she remains a popular figure in Germany and her leadership skills has resulted in the decrease of unemployment. This is one remarkable example of a woman who has fought her way to the top and it demonstrates how we are extremely lucky to live in a society where women are allowed opportunities to enter into the political world and have a significant impact.

In America, Hilary Clinton seized the Democratic presidential nomination and has become the first women to become a contender of a major political party. Not only is this an amazing achievement but this is significant as it has not happened in the 240 year history of the United States. Clinton was born in Chicago and one of her earliest memories was writing a letter to NASA to join the team, but received a rejection simply because she a girl. Clinton has accomplished many achievements such as co-founding the Arkansas Advocates for children and families. She was also appointed the first woman chair of the legal services corporation and also the first woman partner at rose law firm. The increasing possibility of a world in which we have a female President of the most powerful economic and military power is simply amazing and a source of great inspiration for females and young girls all around the world. I think that even if we strongly oppose Clinton's opinions and standing on certain issues (I certainly do with her views on the Israel-Palestine conflict), if she is elected, it will truly be an inspiring day for women all around the world, and a massive step forward for the feminist movement!

Sturgeon, most successful
Scottish politician

This specific moment in history is a great time for women's position in politics in the UK alone as well. Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish First Minister, is the most influential Scottish politician. Although many may disagree with her main aim as leader (Scottish independence from the UK), it is simply ignorant to deny the extraordinary effect she has had on the Scottish nationalist movement. When men before her have failed, Sturgeon swooped in and seized majority control of Scotland (she has a minority post the 2016 election, yet much more than any previous leader could have dreamed of). 

Theresa May is also a prominent female politician in the UK. Mara Delius, in the German newspaper ‘Die Welt’ described both May And Sturgeon as part of the new “femokratie”, emerging to “clean up the mess made by men”. The results of the first round of the Tory leadership election mean that our next Prime Minister will most certainly be a female, the second in our country's history. Many have suggested that perhaps a female leader is what the UK needs, to clean up the chaos caused by Cameron and his government.  June Sarpong commented during an interview with Nick Ferrari, that female leaders perhaps have “a lesser ego” than male politicians, and that perhaps is needed in the UK to calm down the current political climate. 

Theresa, may well be our 
next PM (punny!)

These examples illustrate how far the feminist movement has progressed in politics, yet it is clear more action is needed as only 29% of the House of Commons is made up of female representatives. The prospect of a female Prime Minister during  our lifetime is extremely exciting, and will hopefully lead to more measures to increase female representations in Parliament.