A reluctant feminist: Germany's Merkel still inspires many women

After years of shying away from the question, the chancellor is now taking a clear stance on feminism in her last days in office, writes Tanya Wood 

French President Emmanuel Macron is welcomed by German chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin Monday, May 15, 2017, during his first foreign trip after his inauguration the day before. She is well able to flirt, especially with Macron, whom she likes. Picture: AP/Michael Sohn

German chancellor Angela Merkel has become a feminist icon after 16 years in power, even though the world’s most powerful woman has only belatedly accepted that label as she prepares to step down, and conceded that gender equality is still a long way off.

“She is admired by women all over the world, this is her main legacy. That a woman showed what she is capable of and does this with dignity and resolve,” German feminist activist Alice Schwarzer said.