Women in History: Influential women in politics across the world

Politics, a multifaceted word that has made everyone feel that they are a part of something. In this modern nation, we strive to be better and help everyone. The word sometimes gets a bad rep but, in its entirety, politics is how the world is run. Influenced by women all over the world, Politics still favors men, but we will talk about some of the amazing women below and why there should be more women like them running the political parties and making policies.

Nancy Pelosi

These days we can’t talk about Politics without talking about Nancy Pelosi. Her views on important matters like immigration, LGBT rights, Monetary policy, Foreign affairs have been for the people. Prior to being the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, she was he House Minority Leader and also the Chair of the California Democratic Party. She is known for speaking her mind and standing against the policies which do more harm to the general public than good. She has supported LGBT rights since 1996 and voted against the Defense of Marriage Act. She has supported the use of medical Marijuana. She voted for the No child left behind act. These are just a minor portion of the acts that have been supported by her. It goes to show that Nancy Pelosi has been working for the people, which politics should be about.

Angela Merkel

Merkel is a leader in German politics, currently serving as the chancellor of Germany since she was appointed in 2005. She was named TIME Magazine’s Person of the Year in 2015 for her generosity and leadership after the act of allowing more than 1 million Syrian refugees into Germany. She is looked up to as a highly respected female in power who bears freedom onto her people. She is frequently referred to as the most powerful leading woman in the world. Many see her as a symbol of freedom and power, inspiring women all over the globe.

 

 

Ursula von der Leyen

Leyen, a German politician and President of the European Commission, is a rising female power in politics. She has a heavy background in medicine and is a well disciplined and licensed physician. Her involvement in German politics starting in 2005 has led her to hold the title of the longest-serving cabinet member under Angela Merkel. Her presidency of the European Commission is an honorable achievement and the height of her career. Her rise to power despite her late entry into the field of politics is a message to women who strive for success, at any age.

Sheikh Hasina Wazed

Since 2009, Sheikh Hasina has held the position as the 10th Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Her previous office position was Prime Minister from 1996 to 2001. Her road to her successful achievements in the political field did not come easy. Her early advocacy of democracy ultimately landed her under house arrest many times. She was politically active throughout her years in her university in the 60’s. Her fight for her beliefs started young and carried through until she had enough voices behind her to make a difference. In 1975 however, her family was assassinated by military officials. Her return back home, she became a beacon of hope to those who disapproved of military violence and wanted to speak out on important human rights issues.

Zainab Ahmad

Ahmad is an American prosecutor who focuses on terrorism. Working with the United States Department of Justice since 2008, she started out with gang violence and related issues around Staten Island and Brooklyn, New York, and then moved on to the bigger cases of terrorism. Her job often requires her to travel and interrogate witnesses, requiring a strong force of will and dedication. She battles with negotiating with international officials and long hours of face to face conversations with violent individuals. Her daily job requires her to face the very individuals that the public fears, to prepare for a safer tomorrow.

Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed

Ahmed was appointed as Nigeria’s Minister of state for Budget and National Planning in 2015, and the Finance Minister in 2018. She is one of the county’s most influential female leaders. Her goals are to offset the estimated 80-billion-dollar public debt while also giving a boost to national revenue through value-added taxes. Starting work in 1982 as an Accountant in Kanduna state, and then working in telecommunication, she has come a long way. Ahmed has always tried to publicly serve her country, working many jobs that fed her rise to the top. She now holds the power to make huge shifts in the entire nation’s financial areas.