Women in Russian politics: from Novodvorskaya to Sobchak. The most influential women in world politics Famous women of politics of the 20th century
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Successful and charming, strong and famous - these women are admirable. And it is they who rule the world today, no matter who and no matter how actively reproach the stronger sex for oppression. I really want to believe that there will be more and more women in politics.
German chancellor - Angela Merkel
Merkel is the most powerful female politician in the last 3 years according to Forbes magazine. Angela Dorothea Merkel, at 51, became the first woman chancellor of Germany. She is also called the Teutonic Margaret Thatcher. Merkel speaks excellent Russian, although she is a physicist by training.
The favorite of the head of the Christian Democrats, Helmut Kohl, she disowned her mentor when he was accused of corruption, and became the head of the party herself. Although Angela herself once admitted that in her youth, together with her friends, she speculated in blueberries, since the berry trade was supported by state subsidies.
Angela's second husband is often called Herr Merkel, which may be why her husband did not come to his wife's inauguration. Merkel is very popular, in February 2009 they even released a special version of the Barbie doll with a reddish-white bun in a pantsuit. By the way, Angela never managed to have children.
President of Liberia - Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
The first woman to become president on the African continent. Just an amazing lady - the mother of four children whom she brings up without her husband (he was killed by political opponents).
Helen received a degree from Harvard, then worked as an assistant to the secretary of the treasury, then she became a minister herself. For criticizing the regime, she was sentenced to 10 years, but was quickly released and expelled from Liberia. In exile, Helen became vice president of the African branch of Citi Bank, gave birth to 4 sons, returned to Liberia and became president.
President of Finland - Tarja Halonen
Tarja Halonen, a feminist and pacifist, a fan of Che Guevara and a defender of the rights of sexual minorities, at the age of 57 became the first woman to head the state in her native country. Tarja is so popular that she was re-elected for a second term.
Tarja lived with her husband for 16 years in a civil marriage, and signed only because the presidency required it. And before that, all journalists were tormented by what to call her roommate - life partner, father of a daughter or boyfriend of the president. Daughter Anna Halonen followed in her mother's footsteps - she is studying politics in England.
President of India - Pratibha Patil
Pratibha became president at the age of 72. In the past, the beauty queen of her college, she was not only an MP and minister, but also managed to raise her son and daughter. Pratibha is also the supreme commander.
President of Ireland - Mary McAleese
Mary McAleese became president at 46 and served 14 years in office until last November. Clever and excellent student, Mary at the age of 24 became the youngest professor at the prestigious University of Dublin.
She is an ardent Catholic, therefore she actively advocates for the ban on abortion, contraceptives and divorce. Mary is the only politician in the history of Ireland who has won the most votes. And on the post, she is famous for the fact that, on her own initiative, she reduced her salary by 10%. Mary has a husband and three children.
A woman can easily command an army. © Getty Images
President of Lithuania - Dalia Grybauiskaite
An economist by training, Dalia worked at a fur factory early in her career. During the elections, she won an unprecedented 69.05% of the vote. Dalia, who became president at 47, is a real polyglot - she knows Lithuanian, English, Russian, Polish and French.
She has a black belt in karate, and that must be a great help in politics. This strong-willed female president has never been married, and this fact gives rise to rumors in the press about her unconventional orientation.
Ukrainian women politicians who could become presidents
Looking at Western successful lady presidents, website I thought: will we ever have a woman president? Moreover, there are more than enough candidates - these are women who not only influence the political situation in the country, but are also charismatic and strong personalities capable of becoming president.
Today, Yulia Vladimirovna is not only sentenced to 7 years in prison, but a possible nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize. Most recently, she topped the Focus magazine rating - 100 most influential women politicians in Ukraine.
After some time, Irina Akimova, now the first deputy head of the Presidential Administration, will also be able to run for the presidency. Irina Akimova is an experienced economist and a strong-willed leader, and these qualities are so necessary for the president.
No human society can develop harmoniously, advancing to a higher state, if the role of women is belittled in it and the ratio of two complementary principles - male and female is unbalanced. After all, the position of women, like a litmus test, reveals the actual degree of civilization of a particular social or religious community, and also unmistakably reflects the degree of commitment of its members to the principles of humanism, equality and mercy. As you know, in pre-Islamic times, women were the property of men, and their situation was little better than the fate of domestic animals: for example, widows were then only part of the common inheritance and the heir himself decided whether to marry them or simply sell them. And the Bedouin Arabs generally considered the birth of a girl a great misfortune and often either sacrificed these unfortunates to their imaginary pagan “deities”, or simply buried them alive in the sand so as not to spend money on education. Moreover, such brutal cruelty towards the female sex was observed in those distant times almost everywhere. But today we see with our own eyes how many women have an inquisitive and clear mind, as well as very businesslike and moral qualities, while some modern men, on the contrary, sink to the most helpless and humiliating state.
It is well known that European women received the legal right to dispose of their own property in marriage only in the second half of the 19th century. Whereas Islam almost fifteen centuries ago openly proclaimed the complete financial independence of a woman and endowed her with the inalienable right to manage her own values, have her own personal business and sign the financial documents necessary for this. In some backward countries, women are still in a difficult position, oppressed and humiliated.
At the turn of the XX-XXI centuries, women began to play an increasingly prominent role in the political life of the world, individual countries and peoples. This is evidence of the further emancipation of women.
Women of history have proven that the "weaker sex" is able to take on those problems and difficulties that are usually considered the privileges of men.
Women have been seeking their social independence for many years. Now we have become accustomed to the word "emancipation", and we are not surprised by women doctors, politicians, military men.
But remember, why was Eve created? To be Adam's companion in his life, and then the keeper of the "fire-Prometheus" and a good mother. The "weaker sex" to this day zealously retains the right to these managerial duties, as well as the right to weakness. Women's destiny - home, family, children; and we must agree with the writer who said that a woman wants to appear weak, because this is the only trait that the character of a man does not inherit. But, in general, the right to choose - to be a woman's mother or a politician - remains with her. In the end, everyone is looking for a life's work to their liking.
The question of whether a woman, on an equal footing with a man, can hold high positions, be able to move in the circles of intellectuals, work in one of the highest and most difficult positions in political activity, has already become eternal. It would seem that now there are no obstacles for this, but only a rare woman dares to go into politics or become the director of the largest company. But still, there are such women: strong, hardworking, striving for the very top, but at the same time feminine, affectionate, charming and attractive.
A woman in politics is a rare phenomenon. It is difficult for society to part with the infringed idea that politics is the lot of the strong, that there are no particularly female interests in politics, that there are universal human values that need to be defended.
The history of women's participation in the highest bodies of the government of Russia and the USSR is poor in events. Countess Panina headed the issues of social charity in the Provisional Government for a short time from February 1917. In the first Soviet government, out of 67 people's commissars who held various posts, there was the only and first woman - a member of the government of revolutionary Russia - Alexandra Kollontai. For only six months, she headed the People's Commissariat of State Charity. Not much more actively women ruled the Soviet state and from 1922 to 1991. Only two women were entrusted with managing the People's Commissariat of the Fishing Industry and the Ministry of Culture - Polina Zhemchuzhina and Ekaterina Furtseva.
It turns out that among the ministers, Soviet women accounted for 0.5%. At the same time, even in the Politburo and other bodies of the Central Committee of the CPSU, women appeared more often - there were a total of 3% of them during the entire existence of these bodies.
In the international arena, a major step towards achieving the goals of equality for women was taken on December 18, 1979, when the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women - GEDAW. 165 States are bound by international law to ensure equality between men and women in the public, cultural, economic, political and social spheres.
Russia ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women in 1981. However, when implementing the Convention at the national and regional levels, there are very serious problems associated with the very low legal literacy of women themselves regarding their rights, with insufficient control by civil society, with insufficient interaction between state structures that implement international agreements through the implementation of the “National Plan on improving the status of women in the Russian Federation and enhancing their role in society for 2001-2005” with non-governmental and non-profit women's organizations.
In Soviet times, it was easy to include women in active political life. A distribution order was sent to the localities, according to which it was prescribed to include at least 30% of women in the legislative bodies in the list of candidates for working people's deputies. But it's no secret that these bodies did not have real power. The Communist Party was in power. In the total composition of the population there were 45.8% of men and 54.2% of women, in the party, respectively, 79.1% and 20.9%, in the Central Committee of the party - 97.2% and 2.8%, in the Politburo and secretariat The Central Committee of the party is 100% men. Therefore, when the current reforms began and the process of privatization began, only men also received power and property in the country - those who were in power or near power, had information about the true state of affairs. Men have always been afraid to trust high positions to the representatives of the “weaker sex”, referring to their emotionality and sensitivity. But we remember Nefertiti, Aspasia, Cleopatra, Catherine II and many other beautiful ladies who had to shoulder the burden of responsibility for affairs in the state. Women of history have proven that the “weaker sex” is able to take on those problems and difficulties that are considered the privileges of men. The question of whether a woman can hold high positions on an equal footing with a man, be able to move in the circles of intellectuals, work in the highest positions in the political sphere, has become eternal. But until now, a woman - a political leader - is rather an exception to the rule than the norm.
Now the situation is changing. Women win one position after another in business, entrepreneurship, science. In almost all countries of the world where women come to power, they prove that the “weaker sex” at the moment has its own special social interests, that they are sometimes more efficient than men, work and are more consistent in achieving their goals.
It is believed that discrimination is a natural phenomenon associated with the biological essence of a woman, which significantly limits the potential of her social activity. However, in Sweden, a woman can be a member of parliament and have 3-4 children who are well brought up in kindergartens, where there are 5-6 people in a group. The Swedish Parliament has a special room for breastfeeding mothers. In Finland, the president, Tarja Halonen, is a woman, the prime minister is a woman, and the mayor of Helsinki is a woman. The main state task is the well-being of every inhabitant of the country. And a hundred years ago, Finland was a weak, undeveloped appendage of the Russian Empire.
The French National Assembly is discussing a bill on the need for the numerical equality of women and men in the lists of candidates for deputies in the structures of representative power at all levels. It provides for special measures to ensure that this equality is observed: from refusal to register party lists during the election campaign to penalties. This is how the idea of parity democracy is affirmed, that is, the equal representation of men and women in power structures. The French women began to defend the idea of parity democracy at about the same time as us - in the early 90s. Over the years, French women have advanced to discuss the finished bill. And we, not only have not advanced, but are noticeably rolling back, despite the fact that one of the leaders of the Union of Right Forces, Irina Khakamada, nominated herself for the post of President of the Russian Federation, although with the proviso that she is not going to become president, but only wants her heard. You can treat it differently, but the choice of such a means of being heard inspires respect.
Representatives of the “weaker sex” are known who came into politics and successfully carried it out in the interests of their states. Among them are Margaret Thatcher (England), Mono Alin (Sweden), Madeleine Albright (USA), Indira Gandhi (India), Benazir Bhutto (Pakistan), Gandhi Chiller (Greece), Mary Robinson (Ireland), GRU Harlem Bruntland (Norway) , Princess Diana (England), Queen Beatrix (Holland), Queen Silvin (Sweden), Valentina Matvienko (Russia), Irina Khakamada (Russia), Elena Mizulina (Russia), Galina Starovoitova (Russia), Tatiana Komarova (Chairman of the Natural resources of the State Duma), E. Panfilova, political scientists T. Narochnitskaya, O. Golutovina and others.
Let's compare state activities, reveal the positive influence of women politicians in solving various issues, but together with their political life, we will show their female fate as a wife, mother, grandmother.
Galina Starovoitova
Speaking of well-known women politicians in Russia, one cannot fail to mention Galina Starovoitova, the former co-chair of the Democratic Russia movement. In 1998, it became clear that women were finally treated as serious partners or opponents. Being a deputy of the State Duma and at the same time a co-chair of the movement, she began to pose a danger to her political competitors, and therefore they decided to remove her from the political scene. The biggest loss for the people was the death of Galina Starovoitova. As blasphemous as it sounds, there is an element of beauty in her tragic departure: like Indira Gandhi, she left at the very top, having in the rarest way succeeded in everything that a woman can succeed in: she was both a famous scientist, and a wonderful mother, and caring grandmother, and a happy newlywed. And a bright politician, whom competitors could not defeat in a fair fight.
In recent years, outwardly, she was very much like Catherine II - literally everyone noticed, and this was like a certain sign. The only pity is that Russia failed to save it. This woman was even nominated for the presidency of our country. Galina was more attracted to the norm of the electoral law in Norway, which states that no gender should be represented in parliament by more than 60%. But, unfortunately, some executors of contract killings committed reprisals against Galina Starovoitova. There is speculation that she was killed by a female killer. There has never been a case of a female killer shooting a woman. Sometimes it's a shame that they kill those people who really could do at least something for society.
Women who play a significant role in the politics of not only their country, but also the world.
Margaret Hilda Thatcher "Iron Lady" - Prime Minister of Great Britain. The Iron Lady was the most powerful woman in the world for 10 years. Margaret Thatcher was strong, but honest, able to show stubbornness, but also to enter into the position of the enemy, ambitious, but calm and cold-blooded. Thatcher reached the very pinnacle of male supremacist elite power, and only achieved this by devoting her entire life to aspirations and struggle. Her slow, small steps, rise to the pinnacle of power began from among the poor class of England, this beginning seemed unthinkable for achieving such a lofty goal. She did the impossible: the daughter of an unassuming shopkeeper had the temerity to invade the well-defended stronghold of male power and become Prime Minister of Great Britain. She left an indelible mark on the history of her country and influenced the way of thinking of the entire British society, but she left her greatest legacy for aspiring young women leaders who want to follow in her footsteps. Margaret Thatcher came to power with a philosophy based on the condemnation of the government, and with a rigidly pragmatic attitude to current events. It armed itself with these unique qualities in order to drag the tedious machine of the political system, limited by small concessions. Most of the long-established bureaucrats hated her, but also feared her. And they had reasons for this. The Iron Lady was not going to beat around the bush and do anything carelessly. She dared to be different, because her father inspired her every day, drop by drop, with the conviction that everything would be fine if she was “not like everyone else.” He kept repeating that “dissimilar” people lead, and “parasites” follow them in everything. He urged her to "never follow the crowd, but lead it." Young Margaret armed herself with her father's wisdom and became a leader the world will never forget. Thatcher is an excellent model of a "female leader" for all women, wherever they are. She broke the traditional foundation that should have been broken long ago. This indomitable lady has always been guided by the motto: "Purpose and direction." The first step to winning national recognition was Thatcher's decision to cancel the free milk distribution program for children. She decided to reform the welfare system, save money by redistributing the amounts intended for school milk distribution programs to the teachers themselves. In February 1975, Margaret Thatcher became the first woman to be given leadership by any party in England. She campaigned vigorously against the "welfare state" and vowed to gradually smooth out the power struggle between Labor and the government. “Legitimize the right to preserve what is left!” - became one of her calls for unity. In June 1975, she spoke to the National Executive Committee of the Union: "Too few rich and too little profit," and in October she stated even more clearly: "The way to recovery lies through profit." Finally, in a Thames television appearance in April 1979, Thatcher fired a deadly salvo at the trade unions, which was to be the prelude to her future regime: “There are people in this country who can and should be called great destroyers; they dream of destroying the essence of the free society we have. Many of these destroyers are in unions.”
Mary Robinson - Irish President. She has now been elected as the new UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The decree on her appointment was signed by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. In September 2003, the candidacy of the 53-year-old Irish woman was officially approved at the session of the UN General Assembly. By winning election in 1990, law professor Robinson became Ireland's first female president and won international recognition for her successful performance in this post. She is also widely known for her speeches in defense of democratic freedoms in Ireland in the 70s and 80s. And as president, the extraordinary woman has continued to fight for human rights on a broader scale, with a particular focus on Northern Ireland and areas of conflict and disaster in Africa. Mary has a close-knit family - a husband and three children.
Gro Harlem Bruntland– this woman has become the highest-ranking representative in Norway at the international level. She assumed her duties as Director-General of the World Health Organization. On the very first day, Bruntland proclaimed a resolute fight against malaria and tobacco advertising. In Norway, this charming woman is very popular, as evidenced by her many years of work as the country's prime minister and chairman of the Norwegian Workers' Party. These are the women our future is waiting for.
Carolyn Morris - the highest-ranking African-American woman in the history of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation. She has been promoted to the FBI Assistant Director for Information Resources. Carolyn Morris was born in Jackson. In 1960 she graduated from the mathematics department of Central North Carolina University. She later completed her PhD at Harvard University. She worked as a teacher of mathematics in a secondary school, was engaged in research in the field of statistics and computer science. Since 1980 he has been with the FBI.
Mono Alyn- Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden. She is Minister for Equality. Her main task, she considers the transformation of Sweden into the most progressive state in matters of equality, even now the salary of Swedish women is closer to the salary of men than in any other country. In 1986-1987, she headed the Swedish Youth Union, and was a member of parliament for 8 years in a row. In the early 1980s, she entered the cabinet of ministers and became secretary of the Swedish Social Democratic Party. Reputed to be a tough enough politician. She manages to combine public duties with the upbringing of three children.
Indira Gandhi is the Prime Minister of India. She was educated in India and Switzerland, studied at Oxford University. She joined the Indian National Congress (INC). She was elected chairman of this party. She took an active part in the struggle against British colonial rule. Subjected to repression by the colonial authorities. Member of the working committee and member of the Central Electoral Commission of the INC, chairman of the women's organization of this party and member of the Central Parliamentary Council of the All India Committee of the INC. INC Chairman. Minister of Information and Broadcasting. Member of the National Defense Council. Leader of the INC parliamentary faction. Prime Minister. Minister of Atomic Energy. Chairman of the planning committee. Foreign Secretary. In her statements as head of government, she repeatedly emphasized the need to preserve the basic principles of policy - India's non-participation in military blocs, maintaining peace and international cooperation, further developing and strengthening friendly Soviet-Indian relations, and implementing the planned development of national economic foundations. Carried out the nationalization of 14 largest banks. She condemned the US aggression in Vietnam and Israel against the Arab countries.
Of course, it is difficult for us to look up to Western countries that have been developing according to a different model for decades. But, on the other hand, Russian women, if they want to change the political and moral climate in the country, to become full-fledged citizens, have no other way than to win their share of power. One of the main brakes on the parity gender policy in Russia is the authoritarian type of existing power relations. The authority of force is recognized, and force has always been the advantage of men. For example, elections. Democratic, according to the leaders, the Yabloko party. 40% of the members of this party are women, and 10% of women's candidates represent the elections. In the presidential elections in Russia on March 14, 2004, 55% of the total number of voters were women, but how many of them are in power? It cannot be said that we do not have women who are ready to share the burden of power with men - there are women in every ministry at the level of deputy ministers. In the recent past, we remember the active, energetic, pragmatic Vice President Valentina Matvienko. Unfortunately, representing an absolute minority in power, women are forced to play by men's rules. As a result, they, imperceptibly to themselves, but very quickly lose their most important wealth - charm, femininity, softness, acquire some features of the “powerful of this world”, and lose everything from this. Irina Khakamada a few years ago, rushing to the leaders of the Union of Right Forces, admitted: "Men do not tolerate a woman politician."
The representatives of the fair sex proved that the problems of the world character are subject not only to rough, hard, critical, male minds, but also to fragile, tender female hearts. They say that a woman and politics are two incompatible things, but we are once again convinced of the opposite. In recent years, the trend of women's independence has become more and more apparent. The qualities of a man - to protect and make decisions - are becoming weaker and weaker. And women are increasingly becoming responsible for themselves and for their lives. Most of our problems are not the problems of individual men or individual women. These are the problems of our life, and we must solve them together. The life of a woman politician is her work. Some people work to live. Women politicians live to work. They “lead, not follow”, work hard on themselves day after day, do not recognize words like “I can’t” or “It’s too difficult”. They create their own mind. Never do anything just because your friends do it. This is a positive character trait that almost always leads others to admiration. These determined and confident female politicians are not going to capitulate to all-denying bureaucrats because they have the courage to stick to their convictions. Perhaps it is women who will save our planet from all the destruction and misfortune that it has undergone, it is women who will put an end to wars, and peace will flourish on Earth.
It just so happened in the history of mankind that no one took the representatives of the "weaker" sex seriously in politics. But still there were strong women who proved that their purpose in life is not only "Kinder, Ktiche, Kirche" (children-kitchen-church), but also self-realization and achievement of all kinds of heights. It is thanks to them that modern ladies take decisive steps up the career ladder and do it no worse than many men!
Here are the most influential women politicians in the history of the world who still deserve respect:
1. Cleopatra
(69 BC - 30 BC)Egypt is not only a poetic country of pyramids, temples, statues, the Sphinx and myths. The battles for the throne in ancient Egypt were characterized by violent cruelty. Pharaohs were cunningly killed by people from their inner circle, their wives tried to give birth to a son-heir just to secure power, and the children of influential politicians were ready to cut each other's throats for the right to rule a great country.
Cleopatra came to power at an early age (16), like most Egyptian rulers. Despite her youth, the girl understood the responsibility that lay on her shoulders. After all, it is necessary not only to govern the country, but every day to beware of attempts on one's life.
The queen had a huge influence on those around her, having a high education, charisma and unshakable self-confidence. Having such a gift, the woman skillfully used it to her advantage. Cleopatra's attention was attracted by Rome, in which she was looking for allies, seducing the emperors one by one. The novels with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony became legendary. Thanks to these connections, the queen received almost unlimited power, secured the future for her heirs and a luxurious life for herself. The love affair of Cleopatra and Mark Antony has been sung in art for 2 millennia.
The couple lost everything by relying too much on self-confidence. Cleopatra searched for a way of retreat for a long time, but proudly accepted defeat - the last queen of Egypt died from a snakebite, and was buried next to her last lover. Cleopatra forever remained in world history and literature as the legendary ruler of a great country, who managed to hold power in her hands for a long time and expand the territory of her state, thanks to her female charisma.
2. Princess Olga
(c. 890 - 969)Princess Olga - the wife of Prince Igor, a wise ruler, the first Russian saint. The woman did not come from a noble princely family at all, but despite this, she became the wife of the great Kyiv prince. The couple harmoniously ruled the state - while the prince went on campaigns, his wife was engaged in domestic politics. The woman wisely understood state intrigues, firmly held combatants and boyars in her hands. The family idyll did not last long - Igor died at the hands of the Drevlyans. The princess, obsessed with revenge and grief, adequately avenged the killers - there are still legends about the boat with the Drevlyans thrown into the pit, and about the pigeons that burned the city of Iskorosten. After the death of Prince Igor, his son, Svyatoslav, came to power, and his mother Olga became his regent. She ruled Kievan Rus no worse, if not better, than the male princes, treating her people wisely and fairly. The princess began to divide the land into regions, strengthened the borders of the state, and even had experience in leading a military squad in battle. Olga became the first Russian saint and tried to convert people to Christianity in the Kievan lands. This business was adequately completed by her grandson - Vladimir. As a loving woman and mother, she raised her son to be a great commander, and her grandson to be a wise ruler. Princess Olga coped with everything - she ruled the country, was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, took care of the spiritual world of her country and family in particular. A few centuries after her death, the woman was canonized. For many merits, Olga went down in history as the most powerful and influential woman of Kievan Rus.
3. Queen Tamara
(1184 - 1209/1213)Queen Tamara is a symbol of all Georgian culture. Just like Cleopatra, Tamara gained power at a very young age, and only thanks to her strong character and impeccable self-control was she able not only to keep the country in her hands, but also lead it to flourish. The woman expanded and strengthened the borders of the state, gathered a powerful army, behaved wisely with enemies, but did not forget about the spiritual. Thanks to her, the Georgian language, literature and architecture are being improved. Tamara also spread Christianity among her people, for which she was ranked among the saints. The tsarina could only trust the closest retinue, and then not all of them, because her father died when she was a little girl, and her first marriage did not work out - her husband Yuri (son of Andrei Bogolyubsky) led a reckless lifestyle. Her second lover, David-Soslan, is a true friend from childhood, a trusted person. It was he who supported her and helped in all the conquests and reforms. The queen did not bathe in precious stones and silk fabrics - her wealth was knowledge and art. It is for her invaluable contribution to not only political but also spiritual development that the people of Georgia will always remember and respect their wise queen.
4. Joan of Arc
(1412 - 1431)Joan of Arc is, without a doubt, the most mystical heroine on this list. The Maiden of Orleans helped France win the Hundred Years War and strengthened the position of King Charles VI. In times of devastation and endless wars, including civil ones, people hoped only for a miracle, which will save them. This miracle was a young girl, pure in soul and body, from the French province. Jeanne grew up as an ordinary child, but she was very pious and faithful, acutely felt and experienced every injustice. Soon she began to see visions: "Even at the age of 17, she was able to reach out to the King of France with her ardent calls to fight. Dressed in men's armor, the young Jeanne led the army to fight the enemy. Thanks to this girl, not only Karl, but also the French army, the French people believed in themselves and really began to fight for their lands.Jeanne helped Charles to be crowned in Reims and liberate Orleans, after which she was captured by British enemies. The king, who owed everything to the young girl, did not even make an attempt to save her. The Maiden of Orleans was burned at the stake as a witch, accused of witchcraft. Jeanne d "Arc nevertheless managed to fulfill her divine mission and did things impossible for a young girl, for which she entered world history.
5. Roksolana
(c. 1505 - 1558)Anastasia Lisovskaya, nicknamed Roksolana already in the Ottoman Empire, is the daughter of a Ukrainian priest who was captured by the Tatars. Raids on Ukraine, robberies and captivity of young people were commonplace at that time. But only Roksolana was able to achieve such heights in captivity far from her homeland. She became not only the favorite of Sultan Suleiman I, but also his official wife. Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska (another of the Ottoman names for a girl) had an extraordinary influence on the Sultan, which she used. She bore the Sultan 6 children, counting on the inheritance of the throne. Having the opportunity to study, Roksolana became an educated woman and could help her husband deal with government affairs. The woman built mosques, schools, charitable buildings, hospitals. The phenomenon of the influence of Roksolana, an ordinary Ukrainian girl, on a powerful ruler is still a mystery - is it witchcraft or omnipotent female charms? Be that as it may, she managed the impossible - from a simple captive to become the wife of the Sultan and influence his every decision.
6. Catherine II
(1729-1796)Despite all the gossip and slander that reliably tied up with the name of the All-Russian Empress Catherine the Great, the woman went down in history as an influential politician and a strong-willed woman. She gained power as a result of a palace coup that overthrew her husband, Peter III, from the throne. During her reign (and this is more than 30 years), the infringement of serfs and the deterioration of the general state of life of the people intensified. However, for the nobility and nobility, the Empress spared nothing. The woman was able to increase the area of her state quite well by capturing the territories of the Northern Black Sea region, Crimea, Right-Bank Ukraine, etc. There were also positive moments in the reign of Catherine the Great - many new schools, colleges, institutes, scientific bases, academies, libraries, etc. were opened. The Empress herself was She was very educated and read serious scientific literature every day, was fond of literary criticism and philology, and contributed to the scientific development of her country. She also seriously took up work on medicine and art, patronizing architecture, painting, and literature.
7. Clara Zetkin
(1857-1933)Clara Zetkin is a German, a member of the German socialist movement, a fighter for women's rights. Ever since her studies, the young girl was captured by the ideas of socialism, she joined the ranks of the German labor movement. During her life, the activist managed to be the head of the International Women's Secretariat and the International Organization for Assistance to Revolutionary Fighters, represent the Communist Party in the Reichstag, and take part in the congresses of the Communist International. The woman was familiar with many influential politicians of that time, opposed fascism and Nazism. After Hitler came to power, she was exiled from her native country to the Soviet Union, where she died at the age of 75. The name of Clara Zetkin is associated with the origin of the international women's holiday on March 8, because it was she who fought for women's rights and proposed to hold Women's Day every year. At first it was a purely political action, but then this day turned into a holiday that has survived to this day.
8. Indira Gandhi
(1917-1984)Indira Gandhi - Prime Minister of India, member of the national liberation movement, the most influential woman politician in India. Born into the family of a political figure and a fighter for the independence of the motherland, the girl followed her father's worldview from childhood. After the Second World War, the woman began to make political speeches, always being with her people and fighting for their rights. In 1947, India achieved independence and Indira's father Jawahralal Nehru became prime minister, forming a national government. He appointed his daughter as his assistant, and so began her political career. After the death of her father, Indira took the highest post in her state. During the rule of a woman, the country united, there was an economic growth (nationalization of banks, growth of industry). Indira tried to eliminate religious wars and disputes, but she never succeeded, as a result of which she died at the hands of terrorists. Leaving behind her heirs, she is the greatest female politician in India.
9. Margaret Thatcher
(1925)This "iron lady" showed not only Britain, but the whole world, what a woman can really achieve. In her long reign of the country, Margaret showed great ability to work, strength of will and character. The girl was brought up in a very strict family, where it was impossible to joke once again and be distracted by games. This had a huge impact on the formation of the character of the future politician. Since childhood, a woman has been accustomed to work hard, not be distracted by entertainment and always go towards her goals. After graduating from Oxford, Margaret began to build her political career. Although the first steps were not crowned with great success, she nevertheless managed to become the first person of the Conservative Party, and then the Prime Minister of England. Women's reforms were not always perceived positively by society, but in the end it was they who helped the country avoid a financial crisis and strengthen its position. Being an extraordinary workaholic, she instilled a love for work and her people, not encouraging handouts from the government. The "Iron Lady" has achieved unprecedented heights not only for herself, but also for her state, which cannot cause doubts about her infinite fortitude.
10. Angela Merkel
(1954)Angela Merkel, like other women from this top-a, became the first woman to occupy such a high political position in her country. She is the Federal Chancellor of Germany, previously led the faction of the Christian Democratic Union, was the Minister for Women and Youth Affairs, as well as for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. Her government led to an improvement in the country's economy, a decrease in unemployment. This is a modest charming woman who cares about the inhabitants of her country.
For more than a millennium, women have been fighting for their rights and proving that they are not the “weaker” sex at all. The women mentioned above are the most striking example of this. May they motivate and inspire each of us to fight for our dreams to the end!
The hackneyed stereotypes that a woman's place is near the stove have long gone into oblivion. Increasingly, the fair sex seeks to reach any heights in the political arena.
And it is important to note that they are doing great. Of course, below is not the entire list of the most famous people who have significant weight in society. Don't forget about the next generation. Among the young deputies and statesmen there are individuals with great potential and prospects for the future.
Notable female politicians
Natalia Poklonskaya
Member of the State Duma.Prosecutor of the Republic of Crimea. She was a prosecutor in the case of the organized crime group Bashmaki. In 2014, after the well-known events in Ukraine, she filed a letter of resignation. A few months later, Poklonskaya became and. O. Prosecutor of the Republic of Crimea Married, has a daughter.
He enjoys painting and playing the piano in his free time. The popularity of Natalia Poklonskaya is so great that they compose songs about her, release computer games and draw pictures in anime style. Since May 2014, Poklonskaya has been on the second part of the EU sanctions list, and in Ukraine a case has been initiated against her under article 109 of part 1 (actions aimed at the violent overthrow of power or conspiracy).
Irina Yarovaya
Russian politician.She gained fame thanks to the co-authorship of a number of high-profile bills, such as tougher penalties for violations of rallies, tougher legislation in the field of the migration system and the return of criminal prosecution for libel.
She was a member of the Yabloko party, later joined United Russia. Irina Yarovaya adheres to leftist political views.
Tatyana Golikova
Chairman of the Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation.Tatyana Golikova's career began at the State Committee for Labor. Later she worked at the Ministry of Finance, it was there that she climbed the career ladder. In 2007 she was appointed Minister of Health and Social Development. Participated in the development of methods to combat swine flu.
During the period of its activity, a pension reform was carried out, the UST was replaced, and co-financing of pensions was launched. In 2012 she was appointed Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation, and since 2013 she has been the Chairman of the Accounts Chamber.
Ella Pamfilova
Russian politician, public figure.Ella Alexandrovna's political career began in 1985 when she joined the Communist Party. She continued her activities in the Anti-Corruption Committee, but did not achieve success in this activity.
A significant event in the activities of Pamfilova was the presidential election in 2000. She took only 7th place. Ella Aleksandrovna considers the organization of the movement “For a Healthy Russia” to be her achievement.
In 2010, Pamfilova left the post of chairman of the Council under the President of the Russian Federation to promote the development of civil society institutions. But in 2014, Ella Aleksandrovna returned to politics again. According to experts, Pamfilova is one of the most influential women politicians in Russia.
Irina Khakamada
Politician, writer, TV presenter.Founder of the Economic Freedom Party, co-chairman of the SPS (Union of Right Forces) party. Previously, Irina Khakamada was the chairman of the Our Choice party. In addition, she is a member of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy.
Irina Matsuovna is a television and radio broadcaster. He is the author of his own collection of branded clothing. In 2002, Irina participated in negotiations with the terrorists who seized the theater on Dubrovka.
Elvira Nabiullina
Russian politician. Honored Economist of the Russian Federation.She began her career as a specialist of the Board Committee of the Scientific and Production Union of the USSR. Later she held senior positions in the Ministry of Economy of Russia.
Nabiullina's main achievement is overcoming the economic crisis of 2008, the positive result of many years of negotiations on WTO accession and protecting the interests of Russian business. Nabiullina served as Minister of Economic Development and Trade, currently the head of the Central Bank.
Valentina Matvienko
Politician, statesman.She began her career in 1972 in the Komsomol. She later served as Ambassador to Malta and the Hellenic Republic. In 2003, she took the post of governor of St. Petersburg. And after 8 years, Valentina Ivanovna resigned and after some time was appointed a permanent member of the Security Council of the Russian Federation.
Among the achievements of Matvienko, one can note the “anti-orphan decree” banning the adoption (adoption) of Russian children by US citizens. In 2014, under the leadership of Matvienko, the Federation Council of the Russian Federation approved the use of Russian troops on Ukrainian territory. Valentina Ivanovna is included in the sanctions lists of the EU, Australia and Switzerland.
We told you about the most influential women politicians in Russia and invite you to get acquainted with their foreign counterparts who have managed to strengthen their position in the ruling power.
Yulia Timoshenko
Ukrainian politician. The first female prime minister of Ukraine (2005, 2007-2010).She is the leader of the Batkivshchyna party, took part in the Orange Revolution. According to Forbes magazine, in 2005 Yulia Tymoshenko became the third most powerful woman in the world. And in the presidential elections in 2010, she took second place.
During the rule of Yanukovych, several criminal cases were opened against her. In 2011, Tymoshenko was arrested in a case of abuse of power when signing gas contracts with the Russian side. In 2014, Yulia Vladimirovna was released from prison and fully amnestied. After that, she took part in the presidential elections in Ukraine, but lost.
Hillary Clinton
American politician.She was a senator from the state of New York, the first lady during the presidency of Bill Clinton. He is a member of the Democratic Party. She held political positions, headed the committee for health and protection of children's rights.
During the sensational scandal about her husband's infidelity, Hillary Clinton supported him, not wanting to file for divorce. Hillary is currently the Democratic nominee for US President. There is little time left before the elections, they will be held in 2016.
Marine Le Pen
Leader of the political party "National Front".Since 2003, she has served as Executive Vice President of the National Front. In January 2011, she was elected to the post of head of the National Front, which her father held for 38 years.
Theresa May
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.Leader of the Conservative Party since July 11, 2016. defended a bill, informally called the Spy Charter, that would require ISPs and cell phone operators to store data on user activity on the Web for one year, in case the police request access to the records during a crime investigation.
The Liberal Democrats blocked May's first attempt to push the bill, but in 2015 May announced a new draft "Investigative Powers Act" similar to the previous Communications Data Bill, albeit with more limited powers. The act comes into force in 2017.
Angela Merkel
Federal Chancellor of Germany since November 22, 2005.The first woman chancellor in the history of Germany and at the same time the youngest (at the age of 51) Federal Chancellor in the history of Germany.
Among the most important areas of her political activity during the German EU Presidency, Angela Merkel named the Constitution of the European Union, energy policy, climate protection, deepening transatlantic economic cooperation and good neighborly relations with the countries of the Black Sea region and Central Asia.
Elizabeth II
Queen of Great Britain. Longest-reigning monarch of the Windsor dynasty.Elizabeth II does not take part in the government of the country, her activities are of a representative nature. The duties of the Queen of England include diplomatic visits, meetings with high-ranking officials and government officials, presentation of honorary awards, knighting.
In addition, the queen is engaged in breeding dogs, horseback riding and photography. The most important achievement of Elizabeth II is considered the longest reign in the history of the British monarchy.
The editors of the site invite you to get acquainted with the article about the youngest deputies.
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The opinion that women have nothing to do in politics has already become stereotypical. Men believe that the weaker sex should stay at home and raise children. Great accomplishments must be left to the second half, the stronger one. However, history regularly refutes this thesis. It turns out that for hundreds of centuries women regularly came to power, sometimes exerting a significant influence on the fate of states.
And it does not matter that politics is considered a game without rules, that the strongest survive here. "Weak" women can show steel will, loyalty to principles, foresight and cunning. We are not surprised today by women prime ministers, women chancellors and women presidents. But here are the names of those ladies who left the most significant mark in politics, skillfully showing themselves in public office.
Cleopatra.
Cleopatra.
In 51 BC. Pharaoh Ptolemy XII died. According to his will, power in the country passed to his daughter Cleopatra and her brother Ptolemy XIV.
The boy at that time was only 9 years old, his sister immediately married him in order to have the right to reign.
Cleopatra remained in history as a beautiful, educated and intelligent woman. She managed to become a real legend.
Cleopatra knew how to charm people, which helped her in the struggle for power. She managed to persuade Gaius Julius Caesar to return the throne to her, in return, giving the Roman her love. Soon Caesar would be killed, and Cleopatra chose Mark Antony as her new patron and lover. This woman's love went hand in hand with her power struggle.
A calm reign was hampered by constant intrigues in her entourage. Emperor Octavian persuaded Cleopatra to abdicate her throne, promising to preserve the rights of her children.
However, the proud queen refused. Speaking with her beloved against Rome, she lost the fight. Anthony committed suicide, the inconsolable widow died from the bite of a snake brought to her by servants.
Several centuries have passed, but Cleopatra remains a legendary politician. The woman mixed her feelings and the attitudes of powerful powers, she fought for her throne and the freedom of her country, failing. This is what made her image so tragic and memorable.
Duchess Olga.
Duchess Olga.
This Grand Duchess (baptized Elena) ruled Kievan Rus after the death of her husband, Prince Igor Rurikovich.
Olga herself was either from the Pskov region, from an humble Varangian family, or from a wealthy Slavic family. The chronicle says that in 945 Prince Igor died while exacting tribute from the Drevlyans.
His son, Svyatoslav, was only three years old at that time. So Olga became the actual ruler of Kievan Rus. She became famous for her cruelty.
So, for the death of her husband, the princess took revenge on the Drevlyans four times, suppressing any attempts of resistance by force. Having come to power, Olga pursued a course to strengthen the power of Kyiv among the Slavic tribes.
The ruler laid the foundation for stone town planning in Rus'. In 947, the ruler replaced the former polyudyas with the established tribute for the Drevlyans and Novgorodians - graveyards were created.
Collectors stopped there and collected tribute. According to chronicles, in 957 Princess Olga was baptized in Constantinople. As a result, she is revered as a saint. After all, she was the first of the Russian rulers to accept Christianity, even before the Baptism of Rus'.
The churchyards she created became the basis for the first temples. Olga died in 969 and was buried according to the Christian rite. In the annals, her image was preserved as a forerunner of Christianity in Rus', she shone like the moon in the night among the pagans.
Queen Tamara.
Queen Tamara.
In 1178, at the age of 12, Tamara was crowned as co-ruler of her father, George III.
The king did not have an heir and the situation in the country was heating up.
After the death of the ruler, Tamara was crowned again, in 1184. First of all, the queen began to restore order in church life and in governing the country. Officials and hierarchs who abused their position were dismissed, the fate of the peasants was alleviated, and duties were removed from the church. Tamara went down in history as a wise, beautiful woman.
She was industrious and religious. The queen chose the words as her motto: "I am the father of the orphans and the judge of widows." She managed to bring peace within the country, during her reign there was not a single case of corporal punishment or the death penalty. Together with her husbands, Tamara led an active offensive foreign policy, winning wars. Having ensured the dominance of the country in Asia Minor, Tamara gathered at her court a circle of writers who developed the Georgian language.
Contemporaries wrote laudatory odes about the queen, extolling her talents. After Tamara's death in 1209-1213, the local church canonized her as a saint.
Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc. This woman managed to become a national heroine of France, saving the country from conquest. The Maid of Orleans was born in 1412 in the village of Domremy, in northeastern France.
At the age of 13, the girl heard the voices of the saints, and then she saw them. They told Jeanne that she was destined to lift the siege from the city of Orleans, to elevate the king to the throne and drive the invaders from the country. At the age of 17, she went to fulfill her destiny. The girl was able to convince the Dauphin that she was sent to him by heaven. As a result, Charles VII gave her troops and appointed her commander in chief.
Joan of Arc quickly defeated the British at Orleans, which seemed impossible. After a series of victories, Charles VII was crowned at Reims in the presence of the Maid of Orleans. The southwest of France was liberated from the invaders. The course of the Hundred Years War finally changed. Joan of Arc was captured by the British in 1430. A fictitious court accused the girl of witchcraft and on May 30, 1431 she was burned at the stake.
Despite her short life, Joan of Arc did a lot. Even her death did not help the British - France rallied and in 1453 finally expelled the invaders, ending the Hundred Years War. Subsequently, Joan of Arc was officially acquitted, becoming one of the most significant characters in the history of the country.
Roksolana Anastasia Lisovskaya
Roksolana. Anastasia Lisovskaya was born in Rogatin in 1506.
Her fate was sad and rather ordinary until that time. The Tatars kidnapped the girl and sold the slave to the Turks. So Anastasia ended up in the harem of Prince Suleiman.
In 1520, he came to the throne, and the Sultan made him his beloved wife and even lived with her in a monogamous marriage, which was a unique case for the Ottoman dynasty. Roksolana received the name Alexandra Anastasia Lisowska, which means "cheerful." Through intrigue, she got rid of her rivals, essentially becoming a co-ruler of the Sultan. Myself
Suleiman spent most of his time on military campaigns, his wife ruled the country, completely immersed in public affairs. Historians recall that Roksolana was the most educated person, she received ambassadors, answered letters from other rulers, and patronized the arts. The woman appeared in society with an open face, however, the figures of Islam considered her a true Muslim.
Thanks to Roksolana, new mosques appeared in Istanbul. The woman gave birth to the Sultan 6 children, her son Selim, thanks to the intrigues of his mother, became the heir to the throne. Many novels have been written about Roksolana, television films have been made, plays have been staged and music has been written. A cunning woman politician managed to achieve unprecedented influence in a conservative state.
Queen Elizabeth.
Queen Elizabeth.
It so happened that the golden age in the history of England is associated precisely with a woman politician. Elizabeth became the last representative of the Tudor dynasty on the throne of the country. She was born in 1558, being crowned at the age of 25. By that time, Elizabeth decided never to marry, because her father's behavior made the girl treat men in a peculiar way. So she eventually went down in history as a virgin queen.
Despite her detachment from the struggle for power, Elizabeth ascended the throne - the rest of the heirs died. At that time, she was a woman in her prime, looking younger than her years and not exhausted by numerous births and miscarriages. One of the first decrees of the new queen was the "Act of Uniformity", which reconciled Catholics and Protestants and helped to avoid civil war.
Under Elizabeth, England finally turned into a great maritime power. With the blessing of the queen, English pirates plundered Spanish ships. England founded its first colony in North America. During the reign of Elizabeth, the Invincible Armada was defeated. The queen established close relations with Russia, she is the only woman with whom Ivan the Terrible corresponded. By decree of Elizabeth, the East India Company was created, which helped to colonize India and the eastern countries.
The Queen patronized the arts, Bacon and Shakespeare worked under her, and the Royal Troupe was created. Elizabeth the First died in 1603, remaining in the history of England the greatest ruler.
Catherine the Great.
Catherine the Great.
Sophie Frederica Augusta of Anhalt-Zerbst was born in 1729. At the age of 15, she was betrothed to the heir to the Russian throne, Peter Fedorovich, who was the nephew of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. Despite her origins, Catherine actively opposed the pro-Prussian course of her husband, Emperor Peter III.
In 1762, a coup d'état was carried out, led by Catherine's lover, Count Orlov. Peter III was arrested and soon died. So his wife was proclaimed Empress Catherine II. She remained in the history of the country the greatest ruler. Thanks to this extraordinary woman, Russia has become a significant power. The country pursued a policy of enlightened absolutism.
Catherine herself was an educated and intelligent woman, corresponded with Voltaire, actively participated in all matters. Under this empress, the country received a million new citizens, parts of Poland, Lithuania, Crimea, Courland joined the country. Russia finally established its influence in the Black Sea. The army doubled, and state revenues quadrupled. Domestic politics also played a significant role.
So, private printing houses appeared in the country, in 1783 the Academy of Russian Literature was founded, the first bookstore opened, the population began to receive medical assistance. The country has grown culturally, science and national literature have made a sharp leap. Catherine II died in 1796. For 34 years in power, she managed to make Russia a great and influential power.
Indira Gandhi.
Indira Gandhi.
This woman was born in 1917. She served twice as Prime Minister, in 1966-1977 and 1980-1984. This wise politician was called the conscience of the nation. Indira was the only daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, the leader of the nation and the country's first prime minister.
After the death of her father, Indira got into parliament from his party, the Indian National Congress. After the death of Lal Shastri, the country's second prime minister, Indira Gandhi leads the party and becomes head of state. After the split of the INC, a woman led an independent party, winning elections with her in 1971 under the slogan of combating poverty.
During the years of Indira Gandhi's rule, she pursued a course of rapprochement with the USSR, banks were nationalized, industry developed at an accelerated pace. The first nuclear power plant was launched in the state of Maharashta. In agriculture, under Gandhi, a “green revolution” took place - the country got rid of the need to purchase food. Thanks to the woman politician, the intensity of interreligious conflicts decreased, but she also had to resort to unpopular measures - pressure on the opposition, forced sterilization of the population.
Due to a political scandal, Indira lost power, soon returning to her post again. The second term of the premier's reign was overshadowed by her confrontation with the Sikh people. They managed to take revenge on their offender - on October 31, 1984, Indira Gandhi was killed by her own bodyguards.
Margaret Thatcher.
This man has become a classic female politician, serving as an ideal for many. Margaret was born in 1925. She was educated as a chemist and later as a lawyer. At 34, a woman enters parliament, and in 1970 she receives the post of Minister of Education and Science. In 1975, Thatcher became the leader of the Conservative Party, the first time in the history of the country when a woman headed one of the main parties. After winning the election in 1979, Thatcher became prime minister.
In her post, the woman faced many problems. She believed Britain was in decline. So, in the social field, in health care and education, there was a clear division into people of the first and second grade. The voters did not appreciate the increase in unemployment with the stagnation in the economy, but in 1982 the country held a victorious war in the Falklands. Economic growth allowed Thatcher to be re-elected in both 1983 and 1987. However, the tough tax policy and views on the place of England in the European Union did not find understanding in their own party.
As a result, in 1990, Margaret Thatcher left her post. Her hard line on the European Union has brought Britain to the brink of international isolation. After all, Thatcher characterized an authoritarian style that did not correspond to the classic skillful and quirky British diplomacy. However, the manner of doing business of the iron lady is still envied today, trying to imitate. Margaret Thatcher led a sharp criticism of the Soviet regime, embodying a number of conservative measures that became part of her policy, "Thatcherism".
The classic manifestation of her character was the miners' strike in 1984-1985. Thatcher foresaw this situation, preparing for it. Coal reserves were accumulated, and possible fuel imports into the country were prepared. When the strike began, the authorities held a firm position. 11 million British union members hated the prime minister for his unwillingness to negotiate. However, the iron lady did not flinch, and the strikers were forced to return to work.
Benazir Bhutto.
Benazir Bhutto.
This woman is the latest and classic example of how difficult it is for ladies in modern and "male" politics. She managed to become the first head of government in a conservative Muslim country in recent history. Benazir was born in Karachi in 1953, from childhood she was given freedom unimaginable for Pakistan - she was allowed not to wear a veil, she was given the opportunity to get a good education. Benazir returned from America to the country in 1977, her father by that time had managed to visit both the president and the prime minister.
It was planned that the woman would become a diplomat, but she decided to help her father in his political career. During the coup, the family was arrested. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was executed, while Benazir herself went into exile. In 1988, the Pakistan People's Party led by Bhutto won, she himself became prime minister, largely due to the popularity of her father in the country. The prime minister was able to increase spending on health care and education, but was forced to leave her post in the course of a bribe scandal from her husband, the finance minister.
In 1993, Benazir Bhutto again won the election. The woman promised to defeat corruption and poverty. And again the situation repeated itself. Illiteracy was reduced by a third, polio was finally defeated, water and electricity appeared in the villages. Investments increased many times over, the country's economy grew rapidly. In 1996, the woman was named the most popular politician of the year, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from Oxford. However, corruption flourished in the country even more.
After her resignation and emigration, Benazir Bhutto returned to Pakistan. She was not afraid of threats from al-Qaeda and Taliban radicals to kill her. In December 2007, two assassination attempts were made on a brave woman, the second was fatal. The assassination of the former prime minister shocked the world community. Even the UN Security Council adopted a special resolution condemning the assassination of a prominent politician.
Women in contemporary politics
