It’s been a remarkable political run for Angela Merkel as the chancellor of Europe. After 16 years in power, Merkel will be succeeded by Olaf Scholz as Germany’s new chancellor.
The outgoing chancellor received a heartwarming standing ovation from the majority of the delegates in the last moments of her tenure.
It was back in 2005, when Angela Merkel was elected as Germany’s first female chancellor. Since then, she has been credited for raising Germany’s “profile and influence, working to hold a fractious European Union together, managing a string of crises and being a role model for women.”1
Merkel, a former scientist from communist East Germany, faced multiple challenges during her tenure, showing stunning skills in crisis management and as “defender of Western values” during hard times.
“She served alongside four U.S. presidents, four French presidents, five British prime ministers and eight Italian premiers. Her chancellorship was marked by four major challenges: the global financial crisis, Europe’s debt crisis, the 2015-16 influx of refugees to Europe and the coronavirus pandemic.”1
Her predominance in diplomatic situations, economic crisis management and political influence transformed Germany in favorable ways. From taking more than a million Syrian war refugees, to leading a coalition government, promoting marriage equality, succeeding in a male-oriented party and rescuing the euro in 2008: Merkel’s command held a solid grip every time it was put to the test.
Merkel’s resounding spirit for standing up for what’s right has left an outstanding legacy in women empowerment. Her self-possession and composure, consistency with her job’s duties, and having her private life under control despite the spotlight, has shown that any individual can assume a big national or entrepreneurial role regardless of gender.
Her long full-of-achievements stainless steel career has strengthened the German nation and it’s been a sole prove of the capacity that many women have in power positions:
- A driving force behind EU sanctions against Russia over its annexation of Crimea and backing of separatists in eastern Ukraine.
- Global financial crisis management.
- Management of migrant influx and international borders cooperation.
- Negotiation skills like, for example, when she participated in settling an unprecedented 2 trillion dollars’ budget deal and coronavirus recovery fund amongst EU leaders in July 2020.1
“Named ‘The World’s Most Powerful Woman’ by Forbes magazine for the past 10 years in a row, Merkel steps down with a legacy of breaking through the glass ceiling of male dominance in politics”.1
As gender equality progresses in modern times, the number of women in power positions increases as a result of policy and social reforms in different corners of the world.2 And thanks to women like Merkel, we notice the importance and advantages of gender inclusion in many aspects of society.
More and more women are now joining the work force and taking on important seats in the chain of commands. Thanks to their multi-tasking skills, management of contingencies, quick pace decision-making and bold suggested alternatives, women have been proven perfectly suited for leadership.
Today, you can easily find a hard working mom, taking care of her house, her job or business, while helping out other work colleagues to succeed. There are no limits to whatever they set their minds to.
Now, women empowerment is about taking the example of remarkable figures like Merkel and preparing oneself to reach any dreams and goals, no matter how big they might seem at first.
“Around the world, women now have more decision-making power and influence, over more aspects of social, political and economic life, than ever before”.3 And it is our duty as women to keep pushing onwards with this tendency. Not only because we need more competent female representation in essential parts of our community and nation, but because this can only result in the beneficial development of our society.
Angela Merkel is yet another great example of women’s capacity in power positions: she was part of a revolutionary process regardless of the level of success of her campaign and completely broke down the stereotypes of archaic female and male roles. And truth is, there are plenty more examples to choose from.
From Christine Lagarde’s incredible economic insight, crisis management skills and fostering women’s free thinking and personal growth, to Michelle Bachelet’s constant struggle in legislations to further women’s right, passing on protections for victims of domestic violence, workplace discrimination and introducing universal access to emergency contraception.
These women’s advocacy for women’s rights and women empowerment while sustaining power positions, is both astonishing and breathtaking.
We must take on their example and become brave enough to step in and aid our society to evolve and educate it to see woman from a modern perspective.
We must boost women’s status quo through literacy, education and training while raising awareness of the needs of a more balanced distribution of power positions.
With the proper foundations, we can reshape a sustainable community that believes in gender equality and presents everyone with the same opportunity for growth, education, job openings and leadership.
