By Marla Pietrowski, Director of Program and Engagement
Historically women have been at the forefront of change in every area imaginable. Consider some of the ancient leaders who were women and who were also rulers of great countries, both officially and unofficially. Perhaps one of the most famous was Cleopatra, of Egypt. But others, such as Catherine the Great, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth, who continues to rule, have had an enormous impact on the development of Western civilization.
The Empress, Catherine the Great, ruled during the 18th century and was responsible for bringing Russia out of the Dark Ages. You may find more information on Catherine the Great by visiting The Hillwood Museum and Gardens in Washington, D.C., which has the largest collection of Russian decorative arts outside of Russia. Hillwood is the former home of Marjorie Merriweather Post. This collection, was acquired during her travels to Russia. Mrs. Post was the sole heir to the conglomerate, General Foods, Incorporated. She was a savvy business woman who acquired her skills from her father, C.W. Post.. Through her leadership she would acquire several businesses including Maxwell House Coffee and Birdseye frozen foods, all during a period when women could not participate in board meetings. During the early 20th century women had few rights. Imagine being locked out of the board meeting of the company that you owned. As majority share owner she would eventually acquire that seat and become one of the richest women in the world. Along with Hillwood, Marjorie is well known for building the Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.
Other notable female leaders of countries include Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first woman elected President of Liberia, British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, Argentina President, Isabel Perón, and Germany’s Angela Merkel. Sadly, the United States is not yet included in this list.
From an “unofficial” perspective, there have been many female leaders but none stand more prominent than Madame du Pompadour, of France. She single handedly changed every genre of arts, both fine and decorative, music, culture, science, and literature during the 18th century. Much of her work continues to influence the world today and can be seen through current exhibits at both Versailles and the Louvre Museum, Paris.
Wrapping up, I would be remiss if I did not speak of the great contributions made to women’s history, social justice, and equality by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She is, by far, the most influential person for women’s rights in the 20th century and the first woman to lie in state at the Capital. A Harvard Law School graduate and a Supreme Court Justice, she founded the Women’s Rights Project at the ACLU and fought for gender rights most of her adult life.
Many of the young girls and women today will be called upon in the future to take on significant leadership roles. We are collectively charged with the responsibility in preparing them for these roles. Friends School Mullica Hill wholeheartedly works to prepare young girls by providing opportunities to instill confidence and self-esteem through adventurous travel and sports. Students are also challenged with a rigorous academic curriculum that provides time for critical thinking and creative expression. However, we realize that it takes a village to raise a child, and that travel and experiences outside the classroom are imperative to learning and development.
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