Women in Politics
Time and time again, women in history have proved their worth, integrity and determination. The world is blooming with women who are ambitious and are empowered to change and lead the world. We have women who are businesswomen, artists, musicians. They are all reaching towards their goals and claiming them with a smile. The stories of such women inspire others to take action. If one can do it, then others can make it too.
How incredible is it that women can govern and regulate the nation with the same dedication and effort they put into building homes for their families? Many awe-inspiring women have stepped beyond the four walls of their homes to nurture her nation. These women empower the forgotten and bring justice to the prejudiced while regulating the world around them with their foresight.
Many inspirational women who have embraced the world and its causes are standing up for their visions. The stories of such women are an encouragement to all women in this generation. Here I will discuss the stories of Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Margaret Thatcher, and Angela Merkel.
Sirimavo Bandaranaike was the first woman in the history of the world to become the prime minister of her nation. She belongs to Sri Lanka and has served her country for three terms. Her journey started as a social worker. Later, she pursued her career as a politician. She married politician S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike held the position of prime minister for Sri Lanka before being assassinated in 1959. She became a part of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and became a political party leader. After this, soon in 1960, she won the office of prime minister. Her vision was to bring economic and educational reforms to Sri Lanka. During her term as the prime minister, she worked towards reducing inequalities of wealth. She took measures to improve the lives of women in rural areas of Sri Lanka. In 1975, she also created the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs.
Margaret Thatcher was Europe's first woman prime minister. She ran the office of prime minister and was elected three times. During her time as a prime minister, the implementation of liberalistic policies accelerated the growth of Britain. She was interested in politics from a young age and became the first woman president of the Oxford University Conservative Association while completing her university education at Oxford. She was a barrister with expertise in tax law before marrying Dennis Thatcher, who supported her ambitions of being a politician. Initially, when she ran for parliament, she was unsuccessful. Nine years later, she became a part of the House of Commons, after which she steadily rose in ranks. She held her office as a parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance, secretary of state for Education and Science as a member of the Edward Heath Cabinet. She created more comprehensive schools and brought rigorous education to working classes. As a prime minister, she brought about changes in the economy by embracing neoliberalism policies such as free. She lowered the direct taxes and increased the indirect taxes. During times of unemployment and inflation, she initiated a project. In this project, she allowed the privatisation of publicly owned industries and public services.
Despite her successes, she faced criticism for her opinions and work. Nevertheless, she worked for the better of the people of her nation.
Angela Merkel became the first woman chancellor of Germany. She completed her education with a doctorate in chemistry. After completing her university education, she entered politics by joining the new party of the Democratic Awakening. Next, she held the position of deputy spokesperson under the government of politician Lothar de Maizière. Later she entered the parliament and became the Minister for Women and Youth. She rose through the ranks from Minister for Environment to the Chairperson of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany. Throughout her political journey, she has been vital for revitalising Germany's economy from the financial crisis. During her term, she also abolished conscription, lowered working hours, supported refugees by allowing over a million Syrian migrants to enter Germany in 2015. She continues to be the most politically powerful woman in German politics.
The contribution of women in politics has only begun as these women walk the path they pave for themselves while inspiring other women and people around them. We can safely look forward to a future with more women who will continue to shape the world.
Written by Aastha Raisurana
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