09/25/2021
Today marks almost 15 years since Chancellor Angela Merkel (arguably the most powerful woman in recent times) took power as Germany's first woman Chancellor. Today is also the day she is set to step down.
For many, the legacy of stable diplomatic relations that Angela Markel was able to sustain, not only Germany but in the European Union, is the reason why she is leaving her post today with an 80% of approval rating among German voters.
Angela Merkel is a Doctorate in Quantum Chemistry, a centric progressive political figure, and a great advocate of the European Union. She was able to sustain the EU through the Greek economic crisis, allowing Germany to support Greece through its years of economic hardship.
Merkel was able to reform the Bundeswehr, which abolished most of the corruption in Germany, as well leading the migrant response in Europe brilliantly by finding consensus across nations and providing aid for countries that welcome migrants escaping economic instability and war. Furthermore, her latest succesful accomplishment in the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, allowed Germany and its citizens to enjoy a speedy and safe recovery, without much economic suffering.
Putting politics aside, Merkel is a great reminder for leaders all around the nation, to acknowledge that power is not inherited by gender, but by competence. A reminder that there is no such things as a “Man’s job” and that women belong wherever they desire to belong in. A good leader might understand these principles, but a great leader empowers them.
Look at the women in your organization and empower them as you would anyone regardless of gender. Open the same opportunities,salaries, promotions, and your organizations will thrive. Do not diminish the future leaders of your organization or why not the world.
Nurture by merit not by gender nor hierarchy.
photographed by Herlinde Koelbl Photograph: (c) Herlinde Koelbl / Agentur Focus / Eyevine