Question of the Day | 05/29/2008 12:00 am

Who was the strongest female leader of the twentieth century?

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Interesting. I see political leaders mentioned here. Even Oprah—who it might be said, wields power over how people spend their money—is a kind of populist politician (is that redundant?). What about the women who have led and influenced us all through voicing their ideas, like susan b anthony or betty friedan or margaret atwood or charlotte perkins gilman? Or women who with one brave stroke changed society (rosa parks, for example)? I bet the wow crowd could come up with the names of women who changed millions of lives simply by standing as a model of a different way of thinking. Don’t they count? Where would Thatcher or even Oprah be without them?

By rocky rocky on 05/29/2008 8:13 pm

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The young girls of the UK who grew up while Margaret Thatcher was PM did have a standing model of feminine achievement, power, education, and a woman who was respected by other world leaders. . When Maggie gave to the President of France an obligatory gift at a State-to-State meeting, I thought the specially bound edition of The Tale of Two Cities was quite appropriate for the times. Everything said but not a word spoken aloud. I am clearly disappointed that what I see here is a refusal to acknowledge leadership even when the facts and history are quite clear. How very strange and so delusional. Must one’s political philosophy permeate all thought and to give any quarter to the opposition is the same as surrendering or waving a white flag? If so, then the outlook of political parties and legislators working together for the good of the Nation is rather dim. I fondly recall the days when President Reagan, and House Speaker Tip O’Neil had not only the capability but the willingness to sit down together and discuss current legislation. And maybe share a nip of whiskey, too.

By Bonnie Oliver on 05/29/2008 8:46 pm

My choice is EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER. Her life’s work is her passion ….. Special Olympics (along with Ann M. Burke) and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). I’m not particularly fond of Oprah; but her influence on the general population in the US is enormous and undeniable. It is sad to say but ………….. I suspect most Americans know more about Oprah than they do of Eunice K. Shriver, S. Anthony, M. Thatcher, I. Ghandi, B. Bhutto or G. Meir combined!

By Linda Clark on 05/29/2008 8:52 pm

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Linda, I think you’re probably right about most Americans knowing more about Oprah that any world leaders (male or female, past or present). I like Oprah but her influence scares me because some people seem willing to follow her blindly. As for me, I’m inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt and Golda Meir. A

By Laurel Bowman on 05/30/2008 2:25 am

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I guess I should expand on my choice of Eunice Kennedy Shriver as a …. I can remember back when I was quite young and children (and adults) with Mental Retardation and Physical Disabilities were treated like freaks of nature in our society. Many children lived separately from their families in institutions because of the stigma associated with mental and physical disabilities. It was a common belief that these individuals would somehow contaminate the general population. It was Ms. Shriver’s efforts that brought public attention to the outrageous treatment of these wonderful individuals and their abilities. Special Olympics is now one of the largest entities that brings world-wide attention to the once unseen and unspoken memebers of society. Mental Illness in our society is still a bit taboo, but great strides are continuing as a result of her tireless efforts.

By Linda Clark on 05/31/2008 8:59 am

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Single Mother’s. Who held 3 jobs, raised her children with individualism, respect of there capabilities. Who voted and took part in making changes in small ways for the sake of the bigger picture and future. Who kissed the foreheads good-night and took watch for her families safety in whatever neighborhoods or country they dwelled. Who sat at the counters or take any seat on the bus they choose, and those who gave their share of food to save a child’s life forsaking theirs. Sewed into the night, until they lost their eyesight, lost their own identities so their children had a shot in the light. Who told their stories not for fame but to improve the outcome next time. True they existed in all centuries and not thought of as leaders per say, but I would follow their lead to survive out there with security and pride. And though never singled out in history books, which is a shame on our societies because they probably assembled them in a over crowded room with no benefits or fair pay.

By Julie Runco on 05/29/2008 10:57 pm

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hmmm. hard to answer! I wont give an answer to who’s the the strongest female leader in the world. But in Norway, I would have to say that the strongest leader in the twentieth century, is/was Gro Harlem Brundtland! quite an admirable lady! :)

By Ine Drage on 05/30/2008 12:58 pm

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Danke.

By Mugsy Peabody on 06/01/2008 2:56 pm

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My mother!!!

By T S on 05/30/2008 6:51 pm

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I absolutely agree—Eleanor it is!

By phyllis Doyle Pepe on 05/30/2008 10:16 pm

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I was 16 when I met Margaret Thatcher. That set a tone for me. It was the year before she went to Downing. I still remember her words about obligation, being steadfast. She and a Dean at my school were friends. There she was. Leaders, I would also like to add Maya Angelou. I miss reading all of your comments more often. Thanks to all of you. One of my doctors actually told me that yesterday was the first time he ever heard me laugh. I know this has a lot to do with it.

By Sharron O'Connor on 05/31/2008 6:07 am

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Strongest? Try Indira Gandhi and any female leader of Sri Lanka - they have fought wars - lost their eyes & their lives, run tight domestic political ships - and Indira affected the lives of a billion people. Most effective? Best role model? These are different questions…

By mano billi on 05/31/2008 7:07 am

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I’m sorry, Thatcher was very close, and Mrs Roosevelt was even closer. But I feel the winner was Mrs. Kennedy. Her going thru what she went thru and who she married afterword made her the strongest.

By Mark Rowe on 05/31/2008 5:18 pm

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Well that would be Mother Rosa Parks and my Mother Mrs Evelyn D. Howard

By rashida howard on 06/01/2008 10:32 pm

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Many actually. Strongest but not best was Iron Lady Thatcher. Evita for being charismatic, controversial and narcissistic. Meir for breakthrough Prime M in Israel, Rosa Parks for sheer grit and courage,Jackie Kennedy as a symbol of a beauty,inteligence, and enlightenment as a First Lady, and Eleanor Roosevelt for so many reasons, and HRC for her heroic staying power and as a symbol for future women Presidents of USA, Ann Richards who was unique,sassy, and brilliant, Indira Ghandi one tough cookie, Bhutto, and I know I’m overlooking some wonderful women kike Gloria Sreinem,Simone de Beauvoir,Betty Freidan, et al who have shaped thinking in our time. America is still waiting.

By mitzi morris on 06/05/2008 5:34 pm