National Geographic has posted an interesting story that takes a look at some of the most powerful women in history, while also examining how those women wielded power. The story serves as a reminder that while many ladies are in positions of power around the world today, we still have a long way to go before we have achieved any sort of parity in that department. Still, the historical figures mentioned in the story were trail blazers in many ways, influencing the world around them in a time when most women didn't even have a voice.The story says that many female leaders from the past were able to wield power in different ways. For instance, it points to Cleopatra as an example of a woman who wielded "soft power," using her influence, intelligence, and guile to shape the direction of events in her lifetime. Others were more direct in their influence, such as Artemisia of Halicarnassus, who ruled in the 480's BC and played a pivotal role in the war between the Greeks and Persians. Some of the most influential women had both soft and direct power however, such as Enheduanna, who was an important figure in early Mesopotamia.
The story is an interesting one that highlights a few of the more well known female historical figures who have left a lasting mark on history within their own lifetimes. Still, it leaves a lot of important women off the list, including the likes of Catherine the Great, Elizabeth 1 of England, Egyptian Queen Hatshepsut, and many others.
Still, in an era of the #MeToo movement and a time when women are claiming their rightful place in roles that they should have had for very long time, it is nice to see that there are some examples from the past that show influence and power.
Check out the full story here.
