Few leaders can succeed in a world where female politicians encounter more challenges in making progress. Nicola Sturgeon is the first female leader of a devolved administration in the UK who holds a strong leadership record.
The US Female Politician Appreciates Sturgeon
The US Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said Scottish First minister Nicola Sturgeon is an accurate model of women’s leadership. The Speaker of the House of Representatives has expressed her honour to welcome Nicola Sturgeon and praised her excellent leadership. Pelosi also thanked the First Minister for welcoming Ukrainian refugees and reducing the dependence on Russian oil. She has acclaimed Nicola Sturgeon for her leadership role at the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow. Nicola Sturgeon has discussed the Northern Ireland protocol, women’s rights, and the future of Scotland with Pelosi. She was seeking a relationship with the US to be a guarantee for a probable independent Scotland. Nicola Sturgeon has not mentioned the UK and said the US and Scotland are long-standing friends and allies. She has stated that the US has been Scotland’s valuable and vital economic partner without indicating the UK.
Sturgeon’s Party Stands Top in Elections
Critics of Nicola Sturgeon have criticized her for the “indy tour” to the US. But she has said her opponents have tried to delegitimate the Scottish government’s international ties. Critics have accused her of being politically opportunist because of the timing of this trip to the US.
After the SNP has gained victory in the recent council election, she is pushing for her campaign for Scottish independence. Her critics have said she must focus on health, education, and the cost of living crisis that hurt struggling Scots. Nicola Sturgeon has defended her trip and referred to previous international visits like this since the start of the evolution. Nicola Sturgeon has argued that such trips would promote Scotland overseas until it is an independent country on the global stage. She is determined to highlight Scotland’s international engagement and has mentioned the role of the US in Scotland’s future.
Scotland Is a Successful Green Country
The tie with the US is vital for Scotland and will reinforce the SNP’s independence campaign. Nicola Sturgeon had previously met Pelosi and other representatives from the US at the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow. At the COP26 climate conference, Sturgeon emphasized Scotland’s role as a leading country in green policies. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has tried to show that Scotland was a more progressive green country than the UK.
The Scottish government has adopted better green plans than the British government plans. Nicola Sturgeon had said that Scotland aimed for net-zero emissions by 2045, while the UK’s target is 2050. Nicola Sturgeon had exposed herself as the leading leader of the green world, independent from the UK. She had said Scotland could lead the world to tackle climate change and has reminded of the conference targets during her recent visit to the US.
Sturgeon Is the Most Influential, Powerful Scottish Leader
Nicola Sturgeon entered the Scottish parliament in 1999 and became leader of the SNP in 2014. She is the first female First Minister of Scotland and the first woman who could lead any devolved UK administration. As a nationalist, Sturgeon became involved in high-level politics and wanted Scotland to be independent. It is always harder for women to progress in politics since it is more risky and unstable. Nicola Sturgeon has made it and was once titled the most influential woman in Britain, ahead of Queen Elizabeth. She was also named among the top most effective and meaningful women in politics worldwide. Also, a poll has shown that Nicola Sturgeon was the most popular leader across the UK. She was the best performing political leader UK-wide during the Covid pandemic.
Brexit Has Fuelled Independence Demands
British media has previously called Nicola Sturgeon the most dangerous woman in Britain, which she has embraced proudly. She has said those views aimed to minimize women’s achievements and women who were threats to the political establishments. In 2015, she emerged as the most influential politician during the general election leadership debate. The debate has added to her fame, and her party could win 56 out of 59 seats in the parliament. She had set a powerful manifesto to oppose the UK’s conservative party’s policies. Since the beginning of the Brexit process, Nicola Sturgeon has insisted on holding a second independence referendum. In 2016, the SNP opposed the referendum on the EU membership, and 62 per cent of Scots voted Remain. But most Brits have voted in favour of Exit, so Scots had to leave the EU against their will.
Scottish FM Openly, Firmly Criticized Westminster
Nicola Sturgeon has determinedly presented Scotland’s demand for trade cooperation after the Brexit vote. Although she had opposition within the UK and Scotland, Sturgeon has clearly said she would call for an independence referendum. Scottish First Minister has challenged the UK government since the Brexit process began. She has stressed that the SNP would push for a post-Brexit independence referendum if Westminster did not meet Scotland’s demands.
Brexit gave Scotland a mandate for an independence referendum, and Sturgeon has been firmly committed to holding a vote. She has openly criticized the ruling Conservative party in London throughout the Brexit process and called for Scottish independence. The SNP leader has recently accused the UK government of playing shameful politics with Brexit. Sturgeon has reminded that Scots have elected the SNP on the mandate to offer another vote on leaving the UK.
Conclusion
It has always been more difficult for women worldwide to gain progress in politics. Whilst there are female politicians worldwide, their progress is slower due to the extra challenges they face. Nicola Sturgeon, the strong leader of the Scottish National Party, has been in politics most of her life. For the last eight years, she has been the Scottish First Minister and has kept pushing for independence. Sturgeon handled the climate change and Covid pandemic well and reduced unemployment during her leadership. She could make the Scottish National Party a more popular party and earned unprecedented victories in the 2021 and 2022 elections. She has been through the independence referendum campaign since the Brexit vote has disappointed the Scots. Despite opposition and criticisms, Sturgeon is a determined, decisive, and strong leader who will not budge an inch against Westminster.
