Traditionally, the echelons of political power have been entrenched with male dominance, relegating women to the sidelines with scant representation and minimal engagement in key decision-making. However, a seismic shift has occurred.
In the contemporary landscape, women are stepping up to the plate, challenging historical norms, and seizing political opportunities with fervor. No longer confined by the shackles of the past, they are not only contesting political positions but also ascending to influential roles within political institutions, heralding a new era of gender inclusivity and empowerment.
Statistics show that women make up a little over 20% of global political offices although this might be relatively small compared to men’s participation, it is a stepping stone for women in politics and power.
In light of these powerful women let’s delve into 10 great female political leaders globally in our continued celebration of International Women’s Day 2024.
1. Samia Hulu Hussain
Samia Hulu Hussain is the president of Tanzania since 19th March, 2021. She previously served as the vice president of the country and later became the president following the death of her predecessor, John Magifuli. Samia is the first female president of Tanzania.
She has implemented democratic reforms making way for a healthy democratic process in the country.
2. Salome Zourabichvilli
Zourabichvilli currently serves as Georgia’s president. She is the fifth president and the first woman to attain the title. She was voted for the presidency role in October 2018, she won over her opponents with more than 1 million votes.
As the first popularly elected woman president of Georgia, Zourabichvili has advocated for women’s rights and equality through her social media platforms.
3. Katrin Jakobsdottir
Jakobsdottir is the current prime minister of Iceland, she assumed office on the 30th of November, 2017. She was the country’s minister of education, science, and culture before becoming the prime minister.
She is Iceland’s second female prime minister. On 19th February she was named chair of the Council of Women Leaders.
4. Droupadi Murmu
Droupadi Murmu was sworn in as India’s 15th president on 25th July 2022. She won the presidential election as a candidate of the Bharajatiya Janata Party.
She is also the youngest person to occupy the post. She defeated her opponent by a wide margin, leading 21 out of 28 states in the elections.
5. Mette Frederiksen
Mette Frederiksen is the prime minister of Denmark since June 2019 and leader of the Social Democrats party. She is the second woman to become the country’s prime minister and the youngest Prime Minister in Danish history.
The social democrat political party gained more seats and returned to first place in the parliament under her rule.
6. Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris is the vice president of the United States of America. She is the first female African American vice president as well as the highest-ranking female official in US history.
Harris alongside President Biden was inaugurated in January 2021 and together they will be contesting for a second term in office.
7. Victoire Tomegah Dogbé
Victoire Tomegah Dogbé was elected as the president of Togo on 28th December 2020. Before becoming the president she was previously the minister of grassroots development and youth employment and prime minister.
Dogbé is the first woman in the history of Togo to be elected as the country’s president and one of the few female African presidents.
8. Xiomara Castro
Castro became the president of Honduras in January 2022. She is the 56th president and the first female president of Honduras. Before her role as president.
She served as the first lady during the presidency of her husband Manuel Zaleya. She has been an active participant in the United Nations Women’s Project.
9. Sahle – Work Zewde
Sahle -Work was elected by members of the federal parliamentary assembly on 25th October 2018 as the president of Ethiopia. She is the first female Ethiopian president.
She previously worked as an ambassador of Ethiopia to Mali, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, Gambia, and Guinea. She has also held high positions in the African Union and the United Nations. Forbes ranked her as the most powerful woman in Africa.
10. Mia Mottely
Mottley is Barbados prime minister and leader of the Barbados Labor Party. She is the first woman in the history of Barbados to hold both positions. Following constitutional changes that abolished the country’s constitutional monarchy in 2021 she became the first prime minister under its republican system.
Women are now an integral part of politics. There is an increased representation of women making their way to the top changing the political landscape.
These great female political leaders are evidence that political power is not only attributed to men but women can also hold political positions if they aim and aspire to.
