Women in Politics: Achievements and Challenges in the Fight for Equality

Without a doubt, women have made progress over the years in the fight for equality but there is still much to be done. From the battle for equal pay to the war for comparable healthcare opportunities, women have consistently pushed forward despite numerous obstacles.

As for women in politics, the determination and perseverance of a few have led to groundbreaking achievements that have reshaped the landscape of governance worldwide. In honor of International Women’s Day, join us to celebrate the achievements of successful business women, applaud the efforts of female entrepreneurs, and recognize the challenges of being a woman running for president. 

Pioneer Women and Their Power

From the first woman to run for president to the increasing number of women entrepreneurs, history is adorned with the achievements of courageous women who dared to defy norms. The following females have given us all an example to follow: 

• Victoria Woodhull - Considered the first woman to run for President, Woodhull was a force to be reckoned with. She was a prominent figure in the women’s suffrage movement, a successful business woman, and proponent of equal rights, not just for women, but for people of color as well. She stood for progress even though she had little chance of winning the presidential election in 1872. 
• Shirley Chisholm - American politician Shirley Chisholm paved the way for black women in politics, setting an example for those who fight racial and gender inequalities. Winner of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Chisholm was the first black woman to serve in the United States congress and the first black woman to run for President. 
• Indra Nooyi - Considered one of the most successful business women of all time, Indra Nooyi has inspired others with her drive, leadership, and seemingly impossible balancing act. Originally from India, Nooyi worked her way up the ladder to take on the position as CEO of PepsiCo, earning herself recognition as one of the most influential females in the business world and a net worth of over $350 million dollars. While attempting to stay true to her Indian heritage, she has balanced her roles as wife, mother, and CEO, all while battling the stigmas that females and immigrants face when competing in the business world. Nooyi has inspired others with her genuine kindness and heartfelt leadership, and she’s done it all while transforming one of the largest food & beverage companies in the world into a healthier, more sustainable one. 
• Malala Yousafzai - A globally recognized figure in the fight for women’s rights, Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. From a very young age, she defied the customary roles of women in her region, fighting for educational equality and rights of young girls everywhere. She continues her battle, despite having been the target of an assasination attempt. Her perseverance is incredible and she is, without a doubt, a role model to be admired. 
• Ruth Bader Ginsburg - Former Supreme Court justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg is known as a lifelong proponent of women’s rights, leading the cause while serving one of the most influential bodies of power in the United States. During her life, she used her position to fight for gender equality, women’s rights, and civil liberties. 
• Ellen Johnson Sirleaf - Former President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is a leader to admire. She not only was the first female to be elected head of state of an African country, but she also has won the Nobel Prize for Peace following her considerable efforts to push for equal rights for women. 

Keep reading these Inspiring Stories of Women Worldwide.

Navigating Persistent Hurdles

Despite progress, women continue to encounter systemic biases and discrimination in various spheres. The underrepresentation of women in politics underscores the need for concerted efforts to dismantle structural barriers. 

The pervasive gender pay gap and limited access to leadership positions in the business world highlight ongoing challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and business professionals. 

The characteristics applauded of male leaders continue to appall the masses when displayed by females in leadership positions. Despite proving time and time again that they can do anything and everything a man can do, women are still deemed weaker, less competent, and over emotional in their efforts. 

Overcoming these hurdles requires collective action and unwavering commitment to equality, but it is not impossible, especially when following in the footsteps of inspirational female leaders around the planet. 

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International Women’s Day Quotes to Inspire You

Let the wise words of powerful women inspire you.

• “There’s something so special about a woman who dominates in a man’s world. It takes a certain grace, strength, intelligence, fearlessness and the nerve to never take no for an answer.” —Rihanna
• “A strong woman understands that the gifts such as logic, decisiveness, and strength are just as feminine as intuition and emotional connection. She values and uses all of her gifts.” —Nancy Rathburn
• “The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you’re very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all be humble.” —Serena Williams
• “No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contributions of half of its citizens.” —Michelle Obama
• “Women make up more than half of the world’s population and potential, so it is neither just nor practical for their voices, for our voices, to go unheard at the highest levels of decision-making.” —Meghan Markel 

On this International Women's Day, let us honor the legacy of powerful women while acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead. By celebrating successful businesswomen, female entrepreneurs, and women in politics, we reaffirm our commitment to equality and justice for all. 

Let us heed the words of those who came before us and strive to build a world where every woman's potential is realized. As we embark on this journey, let us remember that our collective efforts can create a brighter, more inclusive future for generations to come.