YEREVAN, DECEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher is the most influential woman of the past 200 years, a poll has found. Her influence is such that 25 years after she stepped down she heads a glittering list including Nobel Prize winning scientist Marie Curie and suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst.

“Armenpress” reports, citing express.co.uk, Mrs Thatcher, who occupied Number 10 between 1979 and 1990, used her handbag as an icon of her rule once telling an interviewer: "Of course, I am obstinate in defending our liberties and our law. That is why I carry a big handbag." She also said: "If you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman."

The Queen, Elizabeth II, who earlier this year celebrated 60 years on the throne, came third in the poll while Diana, Princess of Wales, was voted fourth.

The survey of 2,000 people was carried out to mark the 200th anniversary of Scottish Widows who joined forces with historian and author Dr Suzannah Lipscomb to identify the women who have been most influential in shaping society.

The top 10 is completed with the inclusion of matron saints Mother Teresa and Florence Nightingale and Queen Victoria, Rosa Parks and Oprah Winfrey.