“If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman.”

Known for her uncompromising style of politics and leadership, Margaret Thatcher was the longest-serving British Prime Minister of the 20th century and is the only woman to have held the office.

Thatcher’s early years helped to shape her political savvy. She and her sisters were raised in a politically active home, her Methodist father serving as alderman. She was accepted to an all-girls school and eventually went on to attend Oxford, where she graduated with a degree in chemistry. It was at Oxford that she got her first taste in the political arena after accepting the presidency of the Oxford University Conservative Association. From there, she built a successful career in politics and remained active for a 15-year span.

Given the name “The Iron Lady,” she was a champion of conservatism in her country. Her policies gave birth to the term “Thatcherism”, introducing political and economic initiatives aimed at reversing high unemployment and Britain’s recession in the winter of 1978-79. Thatcherism emphasized deregulation in the financial sector, flexible labour markets and the privatization of state-owned companies.

Although she was not one to tout her femininity (she preferred to be recognized as the first Prime Minister with a degree in science than the first female Prime Minister), Thatcher was comfortable and unapologetic in her womanhood, personifying the qualities of a strong woman who dared to defy the status quo. Will you dare to be you with unwavering conviction? Drop us a line and let us know.

Remember to come back tomorrow and discover another woman who dared to defy the status quo!

PS – Don’t forget it’s Women’s History Month, and we’re using the hashtag #Dare2BMe. Please join us in helping spread the inspiration.