Farewell to Scotland’s First Lady: Sturgeon leaves her mark

It seems that ‘knowing when to walk away’ is the theme du jour among female leaders in politics. Almost a month to the day after Jacinda Ardern’s resignation comes the shock news that Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon is also stepping down after nine years of tireless work at the helm. 

“Since my very first moments in the job, I have believed a part of serving well would be to know almost instinctively when the time is right to make way for someone else,” she told press. “In my head and in my heart, I know that time is now.” 

Like Jacinda, another champion of progressive politics, she too has acknowledged the physical and mental impact of the role. But let’s not dwell on the negative, and take a moment instead to celebrate her formidable legacy. 

Yes, she was a staunch advocate for the hot potato that is Scottish independence, motivated by a belief that Scotland can and should chart its own course. But it wasn’t just her commitment to Scottish autonomy that earned her the respect and admiration of so many beyond the border and around the globe. Sturgeon’s decisions have been game-changing for her country, and her passionate stance on everything from education to the environment, women’s rights to racial equality, has been nothing short of heroic. 

Under Sturgeon’s leadership, and canny negotiation, Scotland has made major strides in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Her policies made a real, tangible difference in ordinary people’s lives, such as free university education for Scottish students, increased funding for affordable housing, and the introduction of a minimum unit price for alcohol to tackle Scotland’s drink problem. Decisions that not only improved the quality of life for Scottish people, but also positioned it as a forward-thinking, socially conscious nation. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, her empathetic and compassionate leadership also won her plaudits. And she was widely recognised for her ability to connect with people at all levels of society, making them feel truly seen and heard; a rare gift in politics. 

Famously, her commitment to social justice and equality resulted in Scotland having some of the most progressive laws on the planet for transgender and non-binary individuals – as someone who is Scottish and non-binary, this makes me proud. In 2014, she successfully campaigned for same-sex marriage, making Scotland the 17th country in the world to legalise marriage equality. While in 2021, Scotland become the first country to embed LGBTQ+ rights and issues into its school curriculum.

Of course, Sturgeon’s significance goes beyond her policy decisions. She has been a trailblazer for female leaders, inspiring countless young girls and women. She has showed that women can be just as capable – if not actually more so – than their male counterparts, effecting real change in the community. In a field dominated by men, she has shown women can lead with empathy and strength. 

Yet it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the broader implications of her resignation, which in many ways can be seen as a microcosm of the broader political landscape. Women in politics still face significant obstacles and barriers; and Sturgeon’s step-down is a reminder we still have a long way to go before we achieve true gender equality.

In the end, her legacy will be one of progress, courage, and resilience. She has proved it’s possible to lead with both your head and your heart, and that a commitment to justice and equality can create real change in the world.

Further reading: Cheerio: in praise of Nicola Sturgeon's short goodbye

Grace Francis is the global chief creative & design officer at Wongdoody.