“I’ve got a woman’s ability to stick to a job and get on with it when everyone else walks off and leaves it.”
- October 13, 1925 – April 8, 2013
- British
- Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Politician, “The Iron Lady”
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Quote
“I’ve got a woman’s ability to stick to a job and get on with it when everyone else walks off and leaves it.”
Explanation
In this quote, Margaret Thatcher highlights the persistence and resilience she associates with womanhood, particularly in the face of abandonment or adversity. She frames her own tenacity as an inherently feminine strength, countering traditional stereotypes that might portray women as weaker or less capable. The statement is both personal and political, asserting that when others give up, a determined woman continues, completing what needs to be done regardless of obstacles or lack of support.
Thatcher, the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, often confronted a male-dominated political arena. This quote serves as a pointed response to those who doubted her competence or resolve. It also reflects her unwavering leadership style, particularly during times of political pressure, such as the Falklands War or economic crises. By linking her success to an attribute she identifies as female, she reclaims and redefines strength in traditionally feminine terms.
In a modern context, the quote resonates as a tribute to the everyday endurance of women, especially in roles where they are expected to persevere quietly—such as caregiving, administrative work, or leadership under scrutiny. Thatcher’s words affirm that determination, especially when unrecognized or unsupported, is a form of leadership, and often, it is women who exemplify that most consistently.
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