What world leader was nicknamed "The Iron Lady"?

The world leader nicknamed “The Iron Lady” was Margaret Thatcher. She served as prime minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990 and became known for her forceful, uncompromising political style.

The nickname originated in Soviet journalism after Thatcher delivered her strongly anti-communist “Britain Awake” speech in January 1976. A Soviet Army newspaper used the phrase “Iron Lady” in response to her criticism of Soviet ambitions and Western defense policy. British newspapers then adopted the label, and Thatcher embraced it rather than rejecting it.

Thatcher was the first woman to become British prime minister and the longest-serving British prime minister of the 20th century. Her governments pursued privatization, reduced the role of the state in parts of the economy, and confronted trade unions—policies commonly associated with Thatcherism.

“The Iron Lady” is sometimes applied to other determined female political leaders, but in standard history and trivia usage it refers specifically to Thatcher. The nickname is also the title of a 2011 biographical film starring Meryl Streep.