German Chancellor Angela Merkel has become a feminist icon after 16 years in power even though the world's most powerful woman has only belatedly accepted that label as she prepares to step down, and conceded that gender equality is still a long way off.
"She is admired by women all over the world, this is her main legacy. That a woman showed what she is capable of and does this with dignity and resolve," German feminist activist Alice Schwarzer told Reuters.A rare woman in the upper echelons of her conservative, male-dominated Christian Democrats , Merkel, 67, long avoided casting herself as a feminist and has only reluctantly supported some policies pushed by feminists such as quotas for women in boardrooms.
"We have not yet achieved equality between women and men in Germany. Much remains to be done," she said. Schwarzer said she is impressed by how Merkel has held her own among powerful men: "There is a joke in Germany: a small boy asks, mum, can men also become chancellor? One person proved it and now it is out there and no one can take that away now."
Women and girls say the impact of Merkel - who is often known as "Mutti", or mum, although she has no children herself, - has been profound in a country where traditional gender roles are only changing slowly.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Older Voters Dominate German Politics, but Now the Young Are Fighting BackA new cadre of socially minded influencers are pushing to have their voice heard in German politics. There’s even a German word for them: “Sinnfluencers.”
Read more »
German SPD extends lead over Merkel's conservatives before TV election debateGermany's Social Democrats (SPD) have opened up a bigger lead over Armin Laschet's conservative bloc, a poll showed on Sunday ahead of a primetime television debate between the three main candidates to succeed Angela Merkel as Chancellor.
Read more »
Lucifer stars' stylish homes: Tom Ellis, Kevin Alejandro, Lauren German and moreLucifer cast houses: Tom Ellis, Lesley-Ann Brandt, Aimee Garcia, Aimee Garcia and more give fans a look inside their incredible homes.
Read more »
Why the German Greens’ Annalena Baerbock disappointed manyHad the Greens been able to sustain their initial momentum, they could have led Germany’s next government—and Annalena Baerbock would have become Angela Merkel’s successor
Read more »
Why the German Greens’ Annalena Baerbock disappointed manyHad the Greens been able to sustain their initial momentum, they could have led Germany’s next government—and Annalena Baerbock would have become Angela Merkel’s successor
Read more »