A reluctant feminist: Germany's Merkel inspires many women, girls

There is a joke in Germany: a small boy asks, mum, can men also become chancellor? Photos: Reuters

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has become a feminist icon after 16 years in power even though the world's most powerful woman has only belatedly accepted that label as she prepares to step down, and conceded that gender equality is still a long way off.

"She is admired by women all over the world, this is her main legacy. That a woman showed what she is capable of and does this with dignity and resolve," German feminist activist Alice Schwarzer told Reuters.