As I walk past billboards for The Iron Lady (which I badly want to see), I reflect on how Margaret Thatcher was ahead of her time by becoming PM when, decades on, females are still fighting to smash glass ceilings.
The mere fact that she ran the country was groundbreaking. But to take that role on and become one of the longest-serving British prime ministers was, quite frankly, revolutionary. While I continue to have hopes for our Dave, I doubt “Cameronism” will be remembered long term. She was undoubtedly loathed – but she had a not-for-turning ability to stand firm against the crowds (and, in time, against her own Cabinet). It is not easy to go against your management or workforce. There are inevitably times when you are hated for it. And when a woman does it, be it in politics or business, she is automatically accused of “lacking compassion”. Funny: people rarely say that about men. Maggie didn’t allow the unions – and the miners in particular – to continue their destruction of the British economy with their bully-boy tactics. Similarly, business owners, when faced with unreasonable and economically unviable demands from their workforce or unions, must stand firm if they want their businesses to survive. They will not be loved for it. And again, female leaders will be hated for it. There is a gender-based expectation that we will nurture. When we don’t, we’re accused of being “metal maidens”. Ted Heath attempted to curb the power of the unions and yet no-one remembers him with same level of anger. No leader of either sex gets everything right. Overall, Thatcher’s “business” produced a great deal more good than bad; free-market principles for the economy and her three election victories being among many highlights. She was known for her incredible levels of hard work, her self-discipline, her creation of home ownership and for making Britain stronger, both economically and on the world stage. Yes, she was reviled as stubborn and uncompassionate. But let’s face it: all strong female leaders will be labelled as such – for at least another 50 years. Jan Cavelle is founder of The Jan Cavelle Furniture Company.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.