Margaret Thatcher and Hillary Clinton, Women in Power
In Margaret Thatcher and Hillary Clinton, Women in Power, explore the experiences of female political leaders. Thatcher attributed her success to her abilities, and didn't focus on being a woman, though some critics say she didn’t create paths for other women. Clinton faced criticism for not emphasizing women’s rights in her 2008 presidential campaign. This video is excerpted from BBC's Her Story: The Female Revolution, which explores the history and impact of women’s rights movements and achievements of women.
With access to some of the most powerful and influential women in the world, as well as women working at the grassroots level, BBC World News explores how women are taking charge and leading in an often male-dominated world. Learn more.
Lesson Express
Q: Why do you think Margaret Thatcher emphasized ability rather than gender in her rise to power?
A: Thatcher wanted to highlight that her success was due to her skills and leadership, not the fact that she was a woman. She felt it was important to prove that women could govern effectively without focusing on gender differences.
Q: How do you think the challenges women leaders face in politics differ from those of their male counterparts?
A: Women leaders often face more criticism and prejudice simply because of their gender. They are sometimes judged more harshly for their decisions, and their leadership can be questioned based on societal beliefs that women should not hold powerful positions, while male leaders may not face these same biases.
Q: In what ways do you think feminism in politics could change the perception of women leaders over time?
A: Feminism in politics could lead to greater acceptance of women in leadership roles, as more women run for office and succeed. It challenges stereotypes and pushes society to recognize women as equally capable of leading as men, which could eventually create more opportunities and support for future female leaders.
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