Margaret Thatcher and Indira Gandhi

Margaret Thatcher and Indira Gandhi were both polarizing figures in their countries, who left behind controversial legacies. Both of these influential leaders seized opportunity when it appeared, and overcame the obstacles of being female politicians during some tremendously difficult and trying times. However, both of these women proved that leadership is not dependent on gender, yet on the determination and passion one has for their country. On October 13, 1925, Margaret Thatcher was born in Grantham, Lincolnshire (Aitken, p.9). Thatcher spent her childhood in Grantham, where her father owned two grocery stores. Although her father made a good income, Margaret grew up in quite poor conditions. Her home lacked a bathroom, running water, or any heating. This was because her father insisted on saving, rather than spending (Aitken, p.11). At the age of five, Thatcher enrolled in Huntingtower Road Council School, thought to be the best elementary school in Grantham (Aitken, p.17). Here, she won a scholarship to Kesteven and Grantham Girls School. Thatcher excelled in extracurricular activities, and was head girl during the years of 1942-1943 (Aitken, p.22). Margaret was accepted to Somerville College in Oxford under scholarship, where she received a degree in chemistry (Wagner-Wright). She loved politics, gaining her first experience as President of the Oxford Conservative Association in 1947. Two years later, Margaret was named as a candidate for the safe Labour seat of Dartford, however lost the election. Despite her loss, she won something much greater during this time, her husband Denis Thatcher (Wagner- Wright). Denis provided Margaret with opportunities that allowed her to pursue her dreams. He was extremely wealthy, and funded Thatcher’s law studies, where she became a barrister specializing in tax law (Wagner-Wright). In 1953, Margaret gave birth to twins, Carol and Mark. However, she did not let becoming a mother restrict her career

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