A trailblazer for women in politics, Nicola Sturgeon was the first woman to lead the Scottish National Party and serve as First Minister.

After 8 years in the role, she resigned last month, saying Scotland deserved nothing less than a First Minister who was able to “give absolutely everything” to the job. At the peak of her power, Sturgeon knew her time was up, and it was time to make way for a new leader.

Having led Scotland through many challenges, including the pandemic years, Sturgeon noted the toll such a high leadership position can have on a “human being”, including the lack of privacy and having to be constantly on duty.

“Since the very first moment in the job, I have believed that part of serving well would be to know, almost instinctively, when the time is right to make way for someone else,” Sturgeon explained.

“In my head and in my heart I know that time is now. That it is right for me, for my party and for the country.”

Sturgeon explained that as First Minister, she was never “off duty” and she’d had “virtually no privacy” for the past 8 years. “Even ordinary stuff that most people take for granted like going for a coffee with friends, or for a walk on your own, becomes very difficult.”

Knowing when it’s time to go
There are some striking parallels between Sturgeon’s sentiments, and those of the former New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, who also stressed she was “human” in her resignation speech, and she no longer “had enough in the tank” to continue. 

Neither of these two women were under any immediate pressure to resign, and there’s something very powerful about seeing both Sturgeon and Ardern choosing to step away from power, at the height of their power.

It also contrasts starkly with the recent examples of male leaders who have attempted to hold onto power long past their welcome (we’re looking at you, Donald Trump).

So, just what has Sturgeon left behind for the next leader of Scotland? Here, we take a look at her leadership legacy.

Scottish Independence
One of Sturgeon’s primary focuses, and what she’ll likely be most remembered for, has been her fight to give Scotland its independence.

In her resignation, Sturgeon pointed out she’s been campaigning for Scottish independence since she was a teenager in the 1980s. She’s been a key figure in the movement, and has attempted to get a referendum on the issue off the ground.

While the issue of Scotland’s independence remains unresolved, Sturgeon never wavered in her stance to see it achieved. She has said she hopes the next leader will continue to push the issue forward.

Gender equality
As an advocate for gender equality, Sturgeon spearheaded a number of policies that have benefited women in Scotland.

She led Scotland to becoming the first country in the UK to publish a Women’s Health Plan and under her leadership, Scotland became the first country in the world to make period products free.

Her government also established a Workplace Equality Fund to support women in the workplace.

Other policies Sturgeon has pursued include supporting women affected by domestic violence by criminalising psychological abuse, and attempting to pass legislation in support of transgender rights to make it easier for people to legally change their gender identity.

Powerful leadership during Covid-19
Known for her calm and consistent communication, Sturgeon was widely praised for her public messaging during the Covid-19 pandemic.

She was clear in her support of health professionals and repeatedly called for people to stay at home and follow social distancing guidelines.

Many viewed this style of public messaging in contrast with the UK prime minister Boris Johnson, who Sturgeon called out for breaching his own lockdown rules.