The 8 Most Powerful Women in Global Politics
Though society as a whole has taken huge strides towards achieving gender equality, politics is one area that continues to be perceived as a man’s territory. But here are a few women who have fought against all odds to emerge successful in this field. Let us not forget that these women have had to work twice as hard as their male counterparts to reach where they have. In this article, we bring to you some inspirational facts about some of the most powerful women in global politics.
1. Angela Merkel (Chancellor of Germany)
The 3 time Chancellor of Germany is unarguably the most powerful person in Europe with Forbes naming her the “Most powerful woman in the world” for a record 10 times! With a PhD in Quantum Chemistry, she is more qualified than most of her male counterparts. It is a lesser known fact the bold Merkel was offered a position with the notorious Stasi (East German Secret Service) during the heights of the Cold War, an offer she politely refused.
2. Tsai Ing-wen (President of Taiwan)
This university professor turned politician is the first female president of Taiwan. Despite not being a career politician or hailing from a political family, she won Taiwan’s most recent presidential election with a landslide vote share. A progressive in her beliefs, Tsai has been fighting for LGBTQ rights and marriage equality in her country.
3. Michelle Bachelet (President of Chile)
The two time president of Chile, holds the distinction of being the first woman to be elected to the highest office in her country. Actively involved in socialist politics since her younger days, she endured her fair share of struggle when she was arrested and tortured alongside her father who opposed the military dictator- Augusto Pinochet. A pediatrician by profession, Bachelet has served as the head of UN Women –a United Nations body for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
4. Aung San Suu-Kyi (State Councilor of Myanmar)
The Nobel Peace Prize winning leader of Myanmar has endured great pain and sacrifice throughout the course of her political journey. Having been put under house arrest for more than 15 years by the oppressive military dictatorship of Myanmar, Suu Kyi was unable to visit her dying husband for the fear of not being allowed to enter her country ever again. The farewell message that she had recorded and sent through the British embassy for her husband, tragically never reached him on time.
5.Theresa May (Prime Minister of the UK)
The British Prime Minister is only the second female to hold the office after fellow conservative Margaret Thatcher. Few people are aware of the fact that Theresa was introduced to her future husband, Philip May by their mutual friend Benazir Bhutto- the late Prime Minister of Pakistan. A former financial consultant, May is said to be a very private person, preferring to keep her personal life away from the media glare.
6. Erna Solberg (Prime Minister of Norway)
Suffering from dyslexia as a child did not deter young Solberg from active participation in the classroom. Facing life with great strength and determination, she ended up with university degrees in sociology, political science, statistics and economics .That however does not mean she lacks a playful side, with her being caught playing the popular game “Pokemon GO” during a recent parliament session.
7. Federica Mogherini (Foreign Minister of the European Union)
The foreign minister who works on behalf of 500 million citizens of the European Union, received praise for her role in brokering a historic missile agreement between Iran and six world powers in July 2015. With a degree in Political Science and Philosophy, she is a strong advocate of non-confrontational and peaceful means of dissolving conflicts.
8. Christine Lagarde (Managing Director of the IMF)
As the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, this French Lawyer and politician was also a former finance minister of France, thus earning the dual distinction of being the first female to lead a G8 economy as well as the first woman to head the IMF. A dedicated health enthusiast and strict Vegetarian, the athletic Lagarde was a member of the French National Swimming Team at the age of 15. Not many people know that she featured in an Academy Award winning documentary titled the “Inside Job” in 2010.
