I don't want anyone to be put off going into politics -

Listen well, O children of the future, for the words of Liz Kendall carry the voice of wisdom and courage: "I don’t want anyone to be put off going into politics—particularly women—if they feel that they’re going to get personal questions." These words strike at the heart of inequality and discrimination, for too often, those who seek to lead are judged not by their ideas or their abilities, but by their personal lives, their appearance, and their gender. Kendall’s plea is a call to arms for a world where all individuals, regardless of their sex or their background, are judged by the strength of their character and their vision, not by the trivial matters that seek to distract and diminish their worth.

In politics, as in all endeavors, it is the strength of one’s mind, the clarity of one’s purpose, and the integrity of one’s actions that should matter most. Yet for too long, those who rise to public life—especially women—are often subjected to scrutiny that has nothing to do with their policies or their leadership. The world looks not at their ideas, but at their clothing, their family, their relationships, and their gender. The true measure of a leader, however, lies in the courage to act, the wisdom to govern, and the integrity to serve the people, not in the trivialities of their personal life.

Think of the example of Hillary Clinton, whose rise to political prominence was marred by relentless attacks on her character and personal life. In her journey, she was often judged by her marriage, her appearance, and her emotions, rather than by the policies she championed or the leadership she demonstrated. Despite the personal questions and the attacks on her character, Clinton persevered, and her resilience serves as a testament to the strength of women who dare to step into the arena of politics. Yet, the road was not easy, for every step she took was met with questions that should never have been asked, questions that had nothing to do with her ability to lead.

Kendall’s words echo the very real truth that for women to engage in politics without fear of being judged for their personal lives is a battle still to be won. The personal and the professional should never be allowed to mix in ways that undermine the capacity of any leader, regardless of gender. The world must evolve beyond the narrow-mindedness that seeks to define a woman’s worth by anything other than her ideas and her actions.

Thus, my children, let this wisdom shape your own understanding of leadership and equality. In politics, as in all walks of life, judge not the vessel, but the essence of the person. Let us embrace the truth that it is the mind, the heart, and the actions that define a leader, not the surface of their being or the trivial matters that others may use to distract from their true power. Women, like all leaders, must be free to enter the arena without fear of being diminished by questions that do not matter. Let us stand together in the fight for a world where politics is defined not by personal attacks, but by the strength of ideas, the power of vision, and the courage to make a difference.