Women's History Month Celebration - Part 1: Margaret Thatcher
Written by: Joshua Carreon
International Women’s Day 2018 is a time when we pause to celebrate and acknowledge the powerful women who have paved the way for future generations of women and girls. Women like Margaret Thatcher, a tough, intelligent, and successful leader.
Margaret Thatcher was a tough woman, having fought against sexism, communism, and a Britain in decline. As Prime Minister she endured a barrage of catcalling and patronizing and was harassed openly in the House of Commons by not only the opposing Labor party but by her own Tory party, many of whom resisted her candidacy during the election. Lady Thatcher also fought communism, becoming a harsh critic of it domestically and internationally, earning her international fame and the title of “The Iron Lady.”
Lady Thatcher was also a pioneering intellectual. During the years she was leader of the opposition most, if not all, political philosophy of Britain was left wing. In response, she developed a rival conservative ideology which focused on frugality and combatting socialism. Furthermore, her election campaign was one of the first to utilize mass media.
In addition, Thatcher was a tactful leader, able to fulfill many of her campaign promises. In her first year as Prime Minister she helped make homeownership more accessible, cut income taxes by 3% on the basic rate and on the top rate by 18%, and adjusted the government budget. Lady Thatcher has the distinction of being both the first female Prime Minister and first female leader of the western world.
Margaret Thatcher is the definition of an empowered woman, never afraid to take a stand and a brilliant intellectual and politician. Her legacy will continue to inspire others and serve as an example for how far a woman can go.
If you would like to learn more about Margaret Thatcher, please visit the links below and feel free to share women who inspire you.
https://www.history.com/topics/british-history/margaret-thatcher
https://www.gov.uk/government/history/past-prime-ministers/margaret-thatcher
