Although not always visible, for a long time, women have played a fundamental role in all aspects of life. In fact, despite the fact that we have cases of women’s inventions attributed to men, women in history have managed to make a place for themselves in different fields. Such is the case of the important political women in history.
Politics was not always an open field for women. And its impact on momentous decision-making was almost nil, until the constant struggle for gender equality acquired prominence in, at least, the vast majority of countries.
Although, at first, only the female vote was discussed, Today we can talk about important political women in history. can we talk about strong women who actively participate in politics, of women who defended their ideals, their ideas and the need for their actions.
If you continue with us throughout this Supercurious article, you will discover not only some of the most relevant female names in the world of politics, but you will also understand the true importance of women’s political participation.
How is the participation of women in politics? reflections and importance
To understand the importance of women in politics, it is essential to start by being clear that true democracy only exists if there is an authentic and integral partnership between men and women. Said association will recognize the differences and similarities, implementing them as factors of growth, change and transformation.
With the above in mind, the important women politicians in history tend to give dynamism to the creation of national policies and legislation, ensuring their joint creation between women and men and with attention paid to the interests and aptitudes that determine gender equality.
However, the important women politicians in history contribute points of view, skills and actions that complement the political landscape in order to improve the living conditions for the entire community they represent.
In addition, they facilitate the reorganization of priorities, sensitizing them to gender issues, thus increasing the political viability of women’s rights throughout the world.
Since women’s suffrage was approved, the political participation of women has increased. They did not stop at obtaining seats and posts within the field, but have been essential to overcome important gaps and social problems in different countries, especially in Latin American countries.
But, to delve into the great impact of important women in history, it is essential to know their individual contributions. So let’s not wait any longer to discover the important political women in history.
Important women politicians in history: Hard work for human rights
1.Eleanor Roosevelt
The first of the important women politicians in history was the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945. Throughout her political involvement, Eleanor rose to prominence as an important activist for women’s rights and, of course, for human rights.
In 1946, was appointed Delegate to the General Assembly of the United Nations, later becoming the first president of the Human Rights Commission. Thanks to her extensive skills, her enormous prestige and credibility, she was the driving force behind the Declaration of Liberties or the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In addition, she participated in the League of Women Voters, the Women’s League of the Trade Union, and the Women’s Division of the Democratic Party. If this political woman has caught your attention, don’t miss out on these Eleanor Roosevelt quotes.
2. Jaha Dukureh
Dukureh is, today, Regional Ambassador of the United Nations Organization Women for Africa. The next of the important women politicians in history is, then, a Gambian human rights activist and promoter of a major campaign against female genital mutilation (FGM).
She is also the director and founder of the foundation Safe hands for girls, which supports African women and girls surviving FGM. As are the cases of ablation and breast ironing.
3. Hansa Mehta
Mehta is an Indian activist, politician and educator. In 1937, she was elected the first woman to serve as a member of the Bombay Legislative Councilrepresenting it in the Constituent Assembly that took place between 1946 and 1949.
She was also a delegate to the United Nations Human Rights Commission, being a strong defender of gender equality and civil rights for women. In fact, the famous phrase from article 1 of the Universal Declaration is attributed to her: All human beings are born free and equal.
4.Benazir Bhutto
Continuing with our list of important political women in history, we will talk about Benazir Bhutto. She was a social democratic Pakistani politician who dedicated her career to fighting against the military regime of her country.
since 1979 sought the restoration of democracy in Pakistan in the face of war conflicts. In 1986 —after exile— he created the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy, mobilizing against Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq.
In 1988, she was elected Prime Minister of your country. Due to strong opposition from religious parties, she was ousted in 1990 for corruption, despotism and inefficiency. In 1993 she was re-elected, dismissed again and exiled in the United Arab Emirates. She returned to the country in 2007 with the intention of being reelected, but she was assassinated a few days later. A case of femicide that went down in world political history.
5. Malala Yousafzai
Malala is a world-renowned Pakistani activist for the fierce defense of the right to education of boys and girls. This fact made her become not only one of the political women, she is also among the most inspiring women.
His political involvement began with the Taliban takeover of his country. Since then, Malala has spoken out about exclusion, discrimination, violence and inequality. Thanks to his great contributions in favor of education and progress, in 2014 Malala was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
6.Angela Merkel
Our list of important women politicians in history is complemented by a powerful European leader who ruled Germany for almost 16 years. This doctor in quantum chemistry achieved rigorous management of her country, turning it into the first economy of the continent and deepening the maintenance of relations with other countries.
Merkel was also characterized by her surprising crisis management and the decision to welcome refugees. She was chosen by the New York Times as the “new leader of the free world.” To learn more about this important woman, do not miss Angela Merkel quotes.
7.Michelle Obama
Surely you have heard some of the shocking Michelle Obama quotesWell, she is a woman of international stature. Michelle Obama was First Lady of the United States, after her husband, Barack Obama, became the first black president. Beyond the incredible elegance of him, Michelle served because of her constant activism and public responsibility.
Throughout her political career, she has sought to impact important issues such as childhood obesity, access to healthy food, the promotion of physical activity, and the fight for education and the rights of girls and women.
She is an ambassador of the initiative let’s girls learn, that focuses on removing educational barriers for girls.
8. Rigoberta Menchu
With the important political women in history we will travel to Guatemala. In this case, we will meet Rigoberta Menchú. She is a Guatemalan activist who fights for the rights of indigenous peoples.
This activist and defender of peace, social justice and human rights was persecuted by the Guatemalan government on multiple occasions. However, this did not prevent her from being heard before the United Nations and being recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992. This woman leaves us amazed by her strength and power, so we cannot stop recommending this compilation with the Phrases by Rigoberta Menchu more shocking.
9. Michelle Bachelet
Now we will go through Chile with the list of important political women in history. Bachelet was the first woman to reach the presidency of Chile. Thus, he became one of the great figures in the fight against the dictatorial regime of Pinochet. She was also the first UN officer for women, expanding her impact in the search for gender equality worldwide.
10. Emmeline Pankhurst
How can we not end our list of important political women in history with British activist, founder of the League for Women’s Voting Rights? Pankhurst did not stop there…
After the foundation, the league won the right to vote for married women in the regional elections, taking a small step that would forever change women’s political participation. In addition, she Emmeline founded the Secretariat of the Political and Social Union of Women, for which she was imprisoned and persecuted for the rest of her life.
Thus we end our article on important political women in history. We hope that it will inspire you to continue fighting for gender equality, losing the fear of not being heard or taken into account. If you want to know more about this and other curious facts about the world around us, do not hesitate to continue reading our next articles. We will wait for you!
In addition to the important political women in history
As we said well, women managed to succeed in different fields despite oppression. Thus, we have decided to share with you this selection of important women in history.