For many, 2022 will be full of surprises. However, when it comes to politics there will never be a shortage of said surprises. There is already an endless list of possible changes and ways to assure a future where female leadership is not only a possibility, but a respected part in every field.
As of September 1st, 2021, there are currently 26 women holding positions as the head of state or other executive positions within the government. Unless things drastically change in the next few years, there will not be gender equality in these high positions for an estimated 130 years. Now on the bright side, there are already well known female politicians who are ready to tackle this issue, such as Kamala Harris, AOC, Zarah Sultana and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. According to “The Guardian”, it said that “success would enhance Okonjo-Iweala’s reputation as a political fixer and give her a better chance of resolving two longer-running issues”. It’s things like that giving us hope for the future of politics.
There are always aspiring women who are reaching for the stars and making changes to politics as we know it. New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is leading the most diverse government in New Zealand’s history. Today, there are more women, people of color, LGBTQ+ and indigenous MPs than ever before. Female based leadership is on the rise in many fields, not just in politics. At the end of last year, Chanel appointed Leena Nair the first Indian CEO of a global luxury brand as an industry outsider. Isn’t that amazing to see?
But the aforementioned women in power can’t put forward any form of political, economical or social changes without our help. It is important that we revolutionise history in a way that can never be forgotten. We all have the power to make a difference and we all have an opportunity to be heard and listened to. For far too long, men have had a responsibility that women could easily participate in. It is important we speak up and become the young leaders we are destined to be.
In the United States, the midterms are expected to fall on November 8th this year; roughly at the midway point of the current Biden-Harris administration. This gives a few new or pre-existing members of the US. House of Representatives a chance to be elected. Who knows what these midterms will hold? We might see a record number of female politicians elected into office. Wouldn’t that be great?
Seeing so many successful women in office or any type of higher position has had a positive impact on everyone watching. It surely made many realise what can be achieved. We are breaking new ground every day, but even though we still have a long way to go after centuries of fighting, we are heading in the right direction. If there is one thing that should continue to be taught that even what seems to be impossible, can be possible. What many fail to realise is that inspiration and seeing others succeed is what enables and drives many young leaders to do the same. We all have a different story to tell, so let’s make it one to remember. This is our time to shine.
ROARA Magazine 