• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
GO TO EXPAT LIVING SINGAPORE
GET OUR NEWSLETTER

Expat Living Hong Kong HomepageExpat Living Hong Kong

Moving to Hong Kong and not sure where to start? Expat Living is the essential lifestyle guide to living in Hong Kong.

Menu
  • Living In Hong Kong
      • Living Here
      • Where To Live
      • Schools
      • For Guys
        • Serviced apartments and places to stay in HK
        • outdoor activities18 outdoor adventures in Hong Kong
        • Townplace Soho - barProperty Watch: An urban oasis in Soho
        • School news - new schools in Hong Kong, new curriculums, new facilities and more!What’s new on the school scene?
      • View all
    Close
  • Things To Do
      • Things To Do
      • What’s On/Calendar
      • Competitions & Offers
        • What to watch this month
        • Woman’s Hour PodcastGreat podcasts we are listening to!
        • outdoor activities18 outdoor adventures in Hong Kong
        • Mount Davis - viewHiking Ideas: A Mount Davis Meander
      • View all
    Close
  • Kids
      • Activities & Things To Do
      • Education & Enrichment
      • Health & Wellness
      • Mums & Babies
      • Podcasts
      • Kids Offers
        • School news - new schools in Hong Kong, new curriculums, new facilities and more!What’s new on the school scene?
        • Pregnancy scan image for web article on how to choose an obstetrician in Hong KongHow to choose an obstetrician
        • Baby spit upReflux in newborns: tips and treatment
        • public pools in Hong KongBest public pools for families
      • View all
    Close
  • Homes
      • Home Décor
      • Readers Homes
        • Home news: décor, furniture & more!
        • Townplace Soho - barProperty Watch: An urban oasis in Soho
        • Top furniture finds for your home office
        • Beautiful ginger jar lamps for your home
      • View all
    Close
  • Travel
      • Short Breaks
      • Further Afield
      • Travel News & Offers
        • Mount Davis - viewHiking Ideas: A Mount Davis Meander
        • Gorgeous waterfalls around the world
        • Travel news: Places to stay and play
        • MongoliaWomen on a Mission take on Mongolia
      • View all
    Close
  • Wine & Dine
      • Recipes & Groceries
      • Bars & Restaurants
        • Vegetarian recipe: Vietnamese rice roll with quorn mince and bolognese sauce5 meat-free meal ideas to try
        • Indian-Restarants-New-Punjab-ClubTop Indian restaurants to try
        • Fagara Aperitivo - Hong Kong restaurantsNew nibbles: where to dine this month
        • Tasty Dessert Recipe: Bread Pudding
      • View all
    Close
  • Style & Beauty
      • Fashion
      • Hair & Beauty
        • laser treatments hong kongHow to get super smooth skin
        • Tried & Tested: Body lotions we love
        • online shopping websites21 fashion websites shipping to HK
        • Mazu ResortwearFashion news: the latest launches
      • View all
    Close
  • Health & Fitness
      • Medical & Dental
      • Fitness
      • Wellness
        • Gyms in Hong Kong - best places for keeping fit8 great places to go to keep in shape
        • Pregnancy scan image for web article on how to choose an obstetrician in Hong KongHow to choose an obstetrician
        • menopause - symptoms and how to get helpManaging menopause: how to get help
        • heartAre you at risk of heart disease?
      • View all
    Close
  • Shop
      • Magazine
      • Advertise With Us
        • Mar-May 2021
        • Mar-May 2021 – $36 (Usual Price $48)
        • December – February 2021
        • DEC-FEB 2020 – $36 (USUAL PRICE $48)
      • View all
    Close
Home » Living In Hong Kong » International Women’s Day: Women rule!

International Women’s Day: Women rule!

8 March, 2021 by Melinda Murphy 4 Min Read

https://expatliving.hk/international-womens-day-female-leaders-in-politics/

On 8 March, we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) and the contributions women have made in Hong Kong and across the globe. Here, Expat Living contributor Melinda Murphy looks at some of the most prominent women in political history, including in the 46 years since the United Nations launched IWD.

My daughter is eleven. When anybody asks her what she wants to be when she grows up, she says, “The first female president of the United States.” That girl of mine is a born activist, waiting to blossom, passionate about all things women-related. This may because her mother is passionate, too – or perhaps it’s because we are both heavily involved in Girl Scouting, the largest female leadership training in the world.

Women seeking equality with men in politics is as old as time itself. Across the globe for decades, women have held rallies and marches bringing light to issues that affect them. Reproductive rights, violence against women, workplace equality and, of course, suffrage.

Suffragists Parade Down Fifth Avenue,1917, international women's day, women in politics
Suffragists parade down Fifth Avenue, 1917

Getting the vote

Just earning the right to vote has been an arduous journey for women. The Isle of Man gave women landowners the right to vote in 1881, followed by the British colony of New Zealand in 1893. The most recent country to open up the polls to women is Saudi Arabia, whose King Abdullah issued a decree in 2011, ordering that women be allowed to vote and stand as candidates. However, the first opportunity to vote didn’t come until December 2015, almost a year after his death.

Leading a nation

Becoming a head of state has been even more challenging. Oh sure, there have been queens over the centuries, going all the way back to 1806 BC when Egypt’s Sobekneferu ruled. After her death, it took 400 more years before another woman, Hatshepsut, would be named pharaoh. And guess what? She was referred to as a king, not queen.

The road for women to run a country in modern times was paved by many extraordinary women in the past, each taking on other leadership positions in politics. The first woman ambassador in modern history was Alexandra Kollontai, appointed ambassador from the Soviet Union to Sweden in 1932. Imagine what it was like to be her, negotiating between men back when women weren’t supposed to even have an opinion? Oh, to have been a fly on the wall during those discussions! She was also one of the first women activists, organising mass marches for working-class women and peasants. I’d like to have met her.

In 1945, Eleanor Roosevelt became the American delegate for the recently-formed United Nations. A year later, she was elected as the head of the United Nations Rights Commission, helping draft the Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948.

But for a woman to become the head of state? Well, that was a different story. Rarely does a woman win the popular vote, somewhat the opposite of what happened in the 2016 US election when Hillary Clinton won the popular vote, but did not earn the presidency. (American elections are decided by the electoral college and not the popular vote.) 

In 1960, Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka became the modern world’s first female head of government. Since then, only 76 women have served as modern heads of state. (Three-quarters of them have come into office since 1990.)

 In 1974, Argentina’s Isabel Martinez de Peron became the first modern female president of any nation, inheriting the office when her husband Juan Peron died in office (she had been his Vice President). 

Dame Pearlette Louisy from Saint Lucia held office for 20 years and 105 days, making her the longest-ever serving female head of state. Wow. I can’t imagine holding a job that long, much less running an entire nation.

IWD - Indira Ghandi
Indira Ghandi
International Women's Day - Dame Pearlette Louisy
Dame Pearlette Louisy
Inspirational women for IWD - Evita
Evita Peron
IWD - Sirimavo Bandaranaike
Sirimavo Bandaranaike
Women leaders - Hilary Clinton
Hilary Clinton
Women leaders in history - Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt
International Women's Day - Alexandra
Alexandra Kollontai,
women leaders in history - Hatshepsut
Hatshepsut

The picture in Asia

Asia is a bit different. According to the International Business Times, if you want to rule a country here, you’ll need some sort of nepotistic connection. Most have been wives or daughters of rulers. Singapore’s president is an exception. Hamilah Jacob was elected unopposed in 2017.

Indira Gandhi was also an unusual case. Even though she was the daughter of a Prime Minister, she refused to assume the role when he died. Instead, she chose to become a cabinet minister and, in 1996 (seven years after her father died), she won an election to become the Prime Minister. She served from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984.

A gender imbalance

Of course, the number of countries with a female in power is a bit misleading. Why? Because in some cases, these women have only remained in power for months – or a couple of days, even. According to a study by the World Economic Forum, only 33 countries have had a female leader for four years or more since 1966. The top country may surprise you: Bangladesh. It has had the most total years served by female leaders. The same study found that gender imbalances in politics is greater than in health, education or employment.

According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, globally women make up about a quarter of national parliaments. My home, the US,  more women have been elected than ever, now making up about a quarter of both Congress and the Senate. That puts the US 75th out of 193 countries, tied with Montenegro and between Cabo Verde and Singapore. Rwanda currently has the most women in parliament.

Still, we’ve come a long way since my grandmother carried a homemade sign and marched the streets of New York, demanding the right to vote. Who knows? Maybe my daughter will be the first female president. Personally? I hope we have a female president before she’s old enough to take office. Maybe she’ll have to set her sights a little higher!

 

Like this? See more in our Living in Hong Kong section. For more ways to celebrate International Women’s Day head to our Things To Do section.

 

Categories: Living Here Living In Hong Kong Tags: International Women's Day Women's History Month

You May Also Like

Townplace Soho - bar

Property Watch: An urban oasis in Soho

Charity Focus: Hike for Freedom

International relocation - costs

The changing costs of relocation

Primary Sidebar

Expat Living Hong Kong 🇭🇰

expatlivinghk

Open
There's so much to love in Jen and Jeff's Happy Valley flat, for the full story head over to our website, link in bio. @moftstudio 

#hongkong #discoverhongkong #hkig #hkiger #hkinteriordesign #hkinterior #balivibe
Open
Ever wondered what it is like to live in Tai Hang? EL reader Neelam Daswani @neelampurehealth gives us the lowdown. For the full story and Neelam's recommendations see our MARCH-MAY issue.

#hongkong #discoverhongkong #hkiger
Open
❤️HK❤️

#hongkong #discoverhongkong #hkig #hkiger #view
Open
* Friday GIVEAWAY *

We have teamed up @gingerjarlampco to give one lucky winner a stunning Ginger Jar Lamp worth $4,000!  Here's how to have a chance of winning:

1. Like this post
2. Follow @gingerjarlampco on Instagram
3. Enter your details via the competitions section of our website - link in our bio.

Good Luck! 🤞🏻

#hongkong #hkig #hk #discoverhongkong #hkiger #fridaygiveaway
Open
Jo Lodder and Catherine Cormack recently set out to raise much needed funds for @stop.hk and @tails.lantau by tackling Hong Kong’s famous hiking trails over four days in March.  To find out how they got on, head over to our website to read all about it, link in bio.

#hongkong #hkig #discoverhongkong #hkig #hikeforfreedom #hkhiking #hkhiker #adoptdontshop #stophumantrafficking
Open
📸 @ colsimphotography

#hongkong #hkig #hk #discoverhongkong #hkiger
#photography #photooftheday #streetphotography #streetsigns #hkstreet
Open
A chocolate overload and cute little bunnies – what’s not to like about Easter celebrations? We’ve rounded up some things to do in Hong Kong for a cracking good time over the break - check out the full article on our website - link in bio.

#hongkong #hkig #hk #discoverhongkong #hkiger #easter #eastereggs #easterbunny
Open
Whether you're a newbie or have been here a while, our guide is sure to help you make the most of living here.  Read it for free on any device 👉 expatliving.hk/cg/ig
Open
Beaches and swimming pools are progressively re-opening 🏊‍♀️🏝👏👏

#hk #hkig #hkiger #hkbeach #hkpools
Open
*Friday Giveaway*  Win one of 50 Early Access Passes to the Affordable Online Art Fair 2021. Like this post & enter your details via the competitions section of our website - link in our bio

Good Luck! 🤞🏻

#hongkong #hkig #hk #discoverhongkong #hkiger #art #affordableart #affordableartfair #giveaway
Open
Jo Lodder and Catherine Cormack are currently on a Hike for Freedom, tackling four trails – the Maclehose, Hong Kong, Wilson and Lantau – to raise money for two organisations doing incredibly important work. @stophk - a charity that strives to put and end to human trafficking in Hong Kong and @ tails.lantau - an animal rescue organisation based on Lantau. The Hike will cover 300km and 18,600m in elevation over just four days! 

Read the full article on our homepage - link in bio - including how you can donate and follow their progress.

#hikeforfreedom #hkhiking #adoptdontshop #hongkong #hkig
Open
In our new spring issue we take a look at Jenny Perry's  impressive village house renovation in Sai Kung 🏡 there's so much to love! Check out the article for all her tips and local recommendations 👉 link in bio
Open
Read our latest Spring issue on any device for free 👉 expatliving.hk/digital/FB/

In this issue, we’ve got some of the best finds to make your home office functional and looking good. We also check out two beautifully renovated homes, get an insider’s guide to Tai Hang and discover home-decorating trends and the latest properties on the market.

There's loads more, including great Mexican food, easy recipes from our team, beauty tips and facials to try, and a look at Hong Kong’s country parks and hiking trails.

👨‍🎓 Plus, an eight-pager School Special! Everything from getting your kids IB-ready and enrichment options to great advice on battling bullies and trolls.
Open
* Friday GIVEAWAY *

We have teamed up with Assaggio to give one lucky winner a fabulous 35oz Fiorentina T-Bone Steak & Seafood Set Dinner for Four, worth $2,488!  

Featuring the 35oz Fiorentina T-Bone Steak served on a red hot sizzling iron plate with rosemary, the set dinner comes with Seafood Platter (Oyster Fine de Clair, Alaska King Crab Leg, Black Mediterranean Mussel, Veraci Clam), Kobocha Pumpkin and Tomino Cheese Soup, and Italian Black Truffle Tagliolini. 
Finally, wrap up the meal with the signature dessert trio: Tiramisu, Panna Cotta and Wild Berry Sorbet.

Sound good?

Here's how to have a chance of winning:

1. Like this post
2. Follow @miradining on Facebook
3. Enter your details via the competitions section of our website - link in our bio 

Good Luck! 🤞🏻
Open
📷 @colsimphoto we love his new collection #hongkonginmotion
Open
We are looking for readers to tell us about their area and why they love it.

We will send you some questions to answer and feature you in the Street Talk section of our print magazine and will also publish it online.

Drop us a PM with some info of where you live and we will get our team to be in touch 😊
Open
One of the many ways to enjoy HK’s waters! Head to our website for a comprehensive guide, link in bio. 📷 @ wanchaibelle
Open
Love a tasty taco, a classic plate of nachos or a frosty margarita? 

We recently road tested 3 Mexican restaurants – read the full reviews in our March magazine ✨📖 or online – link in bio.
@taqueriasupermacho 
@elmachohk
@tqmhk
Open
HK resident and award-winning artist Martin Lever recently spent 14 days in quarantine. Inspired by the mountain view, he created a stunning series of artwork, The Room 202 Project. 

What's more, Martin has teamed up with ImpactHK and is selling limited-edition digital prints – 50% of sales will  support HK's homeless.

For the full story, head to our website – link in bio.
Open
Happy International Women’s Day ❤️
  • COMPETITIONS & OFFERS
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Subscribe

© 2021 Expat Living Hong Kong, All Rights Reserved.