With the 2016 Presidential Election days away, I believe this is an important time, no matter who wins, to reflect on inspirational women in politics who have not only influenced me, but millions of women around the world to speak their mind and get involved with the running of their countries. Here is a list of only a few of the many (often undermined) women in politics who have inspired me.
1) Nicola Sturgeon
As leader of the SNP, Sturgeon stands up to the podium and demands to be heard. British politics, I feel, are particularly male dominated, it certainly continues to be an old boys club that makes it’s almost impossible for any woman to break the mold and come to the forefront of politics. However, as Scotland devolved and gained its own Government and powers, Sturgeon is undoubtedly a rising force in mainstream politics and with the up-coming Brexit decisions on the way, it’s important Sturgeon remains assertive and tactful to lead Scotland through this conflicting agenda.
2) Michelle Obama
This list would not be complete without the current first lady herself, Michelle Obama. I could write an entire book series about why this woman inspires me. When Obama’s husband first entered office, it was clear to see this would not be a one-man administration. Michelle Obama has the drive, intelligence and charm to be her own Presidential Candidate and has inspired millions of women to be more active in decision making in their professions and their private lives. A Harvard Graduate, Michelle Obama inspires me for continuously holding her own and carrying herself in a professional yet relatable manner that just makes you adore her. Although this is a pretty cliché aspiration, I can’t help but wonder if we’ll be seeing a President Michelle Obama in the future.
3) Hillary Clinton
It’d be hard not to include Senator Clinton in this list. Running for President of the United States is a tricky, tiresome process anyway, but having to run against the monster man himself, Donald Trump, only heightens the stress. Hillary Clinton has garnered over 30 years of political experience during her lifetime and regularly advised her husband on multiple political issues and manifestos. Although Clinton does indeed have her bad points and I don’t agree on every one of her political stances, it’s hard to dismiss her genuine skill of communicating with the people and not conforming to the standard role of First Lady. She’s actually channeling her energy into her own profession and taking her career into her owns as the first woman to be the final Democratic candidate.
4) Eva Perón
Not as well known as those listed above, but Perón played a major role in the advancement of women right’s in Argentina during the midst of the 20th Century. As the wife of the Argentina President, Juan Perón, Mrs. Perón (also known as Evita by the affectionate Spanish language diminutive) involved herself in many feminist activities, such as making radio addresses in support of women’s suffrage as well asking male Peronists to support women’s right to vote. Eva is largely credited for gaining the right for Argentinian women the right to vote, and in 1946 a new woman’s suffrage bill was introduced. Although Perón, unfortunately, died young from cancer (aged only 33), her life was and still is celebrated as she is, arguably, one of the most influential women in politics.
5) Malala Yousafzai
Although Malala may not be directly associated with the political world, since her recovery from a near- fatal shooting by the Taliban, Yousafzai has made it a point to make regular speeches and addresses for women’s rights, particularly in undeveloped countries such as in her own native land, Pakistan. Yousafzai spoke before the United Nations in 2013 and in July 2014 at the Girl Summit in London, advocating rights for girls. Despite not having direct ties to the Government, Malala has made an incredible impact on stances for Eastern Women and continues to stress the importance of equality in education.
