In this episode of Ted Talks Daily, former first lady of Chile, Irina Karamanos Adrian, discusses the challenges and opportunities of being a first lady while embracing feminism. She shares her experiences and insights into the evolving role of first ladies in Chile and how they have been able to create positive change through projects and foundations.
Former first ladies in Chile have taken advantage of the unregulated nature of the role to create foundations and projects that address various social issues. They have gained more functions over time and are now an integral part of the state, with responsibilities that include protocol and an office in the presidential palace. Through their foundations, they have made significant contributions to childhood education, computer recycling, and women’s empowerment.
Claudia Pascual, a former Chilean first lady, sought to redefine the role of first ladies by challenging the perception of democratic illegitimacy and gender bias. She established a ministry for women’s inequality and had a say in appointing the president of the foundation for childhood education. Pascual aimed to break gender stereotypes and eliminate the expectation for women in power to embody both male and female qualities. She believed that the notion of first ladies being assets to presidents is outdated and that marriage should not influence political decisions. Pascual’s ultimate goal was to shift power away from a position based on personal affection and towards a more democratic process, making governmental institutions more representative of the people they serve.
Through the experiences of Irina Karamanos Adrian and Claudia Pascual, we gain insight into the evolving role of first ladies in Chile. They have shown that being a first lady and a feminist are not mutually exclusive, and that the position can be used as a platform for creating positive change. By challenging traditional norms and expectations, they have paved the way for future first ladies to make a lasting impact on society.