While the path remains unequal, a growing number of countries around the world have been led by women. By defying expectations and shattering glass ceilings, these women have made significant strides not just in the realm of politics. They have brought their unique perspectives and priorities to the table, shaping policy and leaving their mark on the global stage.
Mexico is the latest country to etch its name into the history books. On June 2nd, 2024, Claudia Sheinbaum was elected as the nation’s first female president. She succeed fellow party member Andrés Manuel López Obrador as president when she was inaugurated on October 1st. Sheinbaum is an environmental scientist and former mayor of Mexico City. She secured a resounding victory, garnering over 59% of the vote. This landmark achievement comes after a long road for women in Mexican politics, and Sheinbaum’s win signifies a significant step towards gender equality in the country.
While it seems like countries are continually being added to the list year after year, some of the globe’s biggest economies remain conspicuously absent. These include the United States, China, Japan, and France. Here are the nations that have been fortunate enough to have a woman occupy the highest governmental office in the country, not including ceremonial representative positions.
Argentina
Argentina has had two female executives in its history. The first was Isabel Perón whose term lasted nearly two years from July 1974 to March 1976. Her government was deposed by a coup d’état.
The second was Cristina Fernández de Kirchner whose presidency lasted for two terms from December 2007 to December 2015.
Austria
Austria joined the list in 2019 with the appointment of Brigitte Bierlein as Chancellor of Austria. She was appointed after the first successful parliamentary motion of no confidence in Austrian history removed the previous ruling government. She held office from June 2019 until the next legislative election and successful formation of government in January 2020.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh has had two women prime ministers. The first was Khaleda Zia. She first served from March 1991 to March 1996. She then again served from October 2001 to October 2006.
The second woman to serve as prime minister is Sheikh Hasina. Her first term lasted from June 1996 to July 2001. She remains the current prime minister of Bangladesh, having held the office again since January 2009. Bangladesh has been governed by a woman continuously for the past 30+ years, although the last few elections have not met “free and fair” standards according to international observers.
Barbados
Mia Mottley has served as the Prime Minister of Barbados since 2018. She is the first woman to hold the position of Prime Minister in Barbados. She is also the first prime minister under the country’s new parliamentary republic government after the Barbados removed Queen Elizabeth II as head of state in 2021.
Belgium
Sophie Wilmès served as the Prime Minister of Belgium from 2019 to 2020. She was the first woman to hold the position in Belgian history. Because of Belgium’s unique power-sharing arrangement, government formation can take months of negotiations after elections. Wilmès was initially elected to lead a “caretaker” government while negotiations took place. However, after the onset of COVID, she was given full legislative responsibilities to address to the health emergency.
Bolivia
Lidia Gueiler served as the interim President of Bolivia from 1979 to 1980. She was the first woman to ever hold the presidential office in Bolivia. Interestingly, she was the cousin of actress Raquel Welch.
Jeanine Áñez was the second woman to occupy the office of Bolivia’s presidency. She served as the interim President of Bolivia from 2019 to 2020 during a period of significant political turmoil following the resignation of Evo Morales.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina has had one woman head of state. Željka Cvijanović served as the President of “Republika Srpska” from 2018 to 2022, making her the first, and so far only, woman to hold the position of President.
Brazil
Dilma Rousseff served as the first female President of Brazil from 2011 to 2016. Before her political career, Dilma Rousseff was an active member of left-wing guerrilla groups that opposed Brazil’s military dictatorship in the 1960s and 1970s. She was imprisoned for almost three years and endured torture during her incarceration. After her release, she completed her education and earned a degree in economics.
Canada
Kim Campbell served as the 19th Prime Minister of Canada from June 25, 1993, to November 4, 1993. She was the first and only woman to hold the office of Prime Minister in Canada. Before entering politics, Kim Campbell pursued a career in academia and law. She earned a law degree from the University of British Columbia and taught political science at the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Community College.
Central African Republic
Elisabeth Domitien served as the Prime Minister of the Central African Republic from 1975 to 1976. Elisabeth Domitien was not only the first woman to become Prime Minister of the Central African Republic but also a prominent businesswoman and advocate for women’s rights. She owned several businesses and was deeply involved in the agricultural sector, promoting the role of women in the economy.
Chile
Michelle Bachelet served as the President of Chile from 2006 to 2010 and again from 2014 to 2018. Before becoming President of Chile, was a pediatrician and epidemiologist. She was also detained and tortured during Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship due to her father’s opposition to the regime. Bachelet later became the first Executive Director of UN Women, a United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Costa Rica
Laura Chinchilla Miranda served as the President of Costa Rica from 2010 to 2014. She has a background in political science and public administration, with a Master’s degree from Georgetown University. She has been a strong advocate for sustainable development and environmental conservation.
Croatia
Jadranka Kosor served as the Prime Minister of Croatia from 2009 to 2011. Before becoming Croatia’s first female Prime Minister, Jadranka Kosor was a prominent journalist and radio broadcaster. She worked as a war correspondent during the Croatian War of Independence, covering stories from the front lines and bringing attention to the plight of war victims.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Judith Suminwa has been leading the Democratic Republic of the Congo since June 2024. She is an economist by training and has previously worked with the UN Development Programme. Her country hopes that her UN connections will help bring future awareness and investment from the international community.
Denmark
Helle Thorning-Schmidt served as the Prime Minister of Denmark from 2011 to 2015. After serving as Denmark’s first female Prime Minister, Helle Thorning-Schmidt went on to become the CEO of Save the Children International. In this role, she led global efforts to improve the lives of children.
Before becoming Denmark’s second female Prime Minister in 2019, Mette Frederiksen was known for her work in labor unions and her strong advocacy for workers’ rights. She has also been recognized for her efforts in promoting social justice and equality, both in her home country and internationally. She is currently still prime minister.
Dominica
Eugenia Charles served as the Prime Minister of Dominica from 1980 to 1995. She was the first female lawyer in Dominica and the first woman to serve as Prime Minister in the Caribbean.
Estonia
Kaja Kallas is an Estonian politician and lawyer who has served as the Prime Minister of Estonia since January 2021, making history as the country’s first female head of government. A member of the liberal Reform Party, she previously worked as a lawyer specializing in European and competition law before entering politics. Kallas was elected to the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu) in 2011 and later served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from 2014 to 2019, where she focused on digital innovation, energy policy, and the single market. Upon returning to national politics, she became the leader of the Reform Party in 2018 and led the party to victory in the 2019 and 2023 parliamentary elections.
Finland
Finland has had three female prime ministers, each making a significant impact on the country’s political landscape. Anneli Jäätteenmäki became Finland’s first female prime minister in April 2003 as the leader of the Centre Party. Her tenure was short-lived, lasting just over two months before she resigned due to a scandal involving leaked foreign policy documents.
Mari Kiviniemi, also from the Centre Party, served as prime minister from 2010 to 2011, focusing on economic policy and Finland’s role in the European Union during the aftermath of the global financial crisis.
The most internationally recognized of the three, Sanna Marin, took office in December 2019 as the leader of the Social Democratic Party, becoming the world’s youngest serving prime minister at the time. Marin’s tenure was marked by her strong leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, progressive policies on social welfare, and a firm stance on Finland’s NATO membership following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Germany
Angela Merkel made history as Germany’s first female chancellor, serving from 2005 to 2021 and becoming one of the most influential leaders in modern European history. A trained physicist, Merkel transitioned to politics after the fall of the Berlin Wall, joining the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and quickly rising through the ranks. As chancellor, Merkel was known for her pragmatic and steady leadership, guiding Germany through multiple crises, including the 2008 financial collapse, the European debt crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic. She played a key role in shaping EU policy, particularly on economic stability, migration, and climate change. Often dubbed the “de facto leader of Europe,” Merkel’s tenure was defined by her commitment to multilateralism, economic resilience, and a cautious but firm approach to global diplomacy.
Greece
Vassiliki Thanou-Christophilou briefly served as Greece’s first and only female prime minister in 2015, leading a caretaker government for a little over a month. A senior judge and president of the Court of Cassation, Greece’s highest civil and criminal court, Thanou was appointed interim prime minister in August 2015 following the resignation of Alexis Tsipras. Her role was primarily to oversee the country’s administration and ensure the smooth conduct of parliamentary elections in September 2015.
Guyana
Janet Jagan made history as the first female President of Guyana, serving from 1997 to 1999. Born in the United States, she moved to Guyana after marrying Cheddi Jagan, a key figure in the country’s independence movement. A dedicated political activist, she co-founded the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and held various government positions, including Minister of Labour, Health, and Housing, as well as Prime Minister. Following the death of her husband, who was president at the time, she was elected as his successor, becoming Guyana’s first female head of state and government. During her presidency, she focused on economic reforms, social development, and press freedom, though health issues led to her resignation in 1999.
Haiti
Ertha Pascal-Trouillot made history as Haiti’s first and only female president, serving as interim head of state from 1990 to 1991. A respected jurist, she was the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court of Haiti and was chosen to lead the country during a transitional period following the fall of the military regime of Prosper Avril. As interim president, her primary task was to oversee Haiti’s first democratic elections, which resulted in the victory of Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
Honduras
Xiomara Castro took office in January 2022 as the first female President of Honduras. A member of the leftist Liberty and Refoundation Party (Libre), she rose to prominence as the First Lady of Honduras from 2006 to 2009 during the presidency of her husband, Manuel Zelaya, who was ousted in a coup. Following his removal, Castro became a key opposition figure, advocating for democratic reforms and social justice. After multiple election attempts, she won the presidency in 2021, campaigning on promises to combat corruption, reduce poverty, and address the country’s deep-rooted inequalities.
Iceland
Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir became Iceland’s first female prime minister in 2009 and also made history as the world’s first openly lesbian head of government. A longtime member of the Social Democratic Alliance, she took office in the wake of Iceland’s financial crisis and focused on economic recovery, social welfare, and progressive reforms before retiring in 2013.
Katrín Jakobsdóttir took office in 2017 as the leader of the Left-Green Movement, forming a broad coalition government that included parties across the political spectrum. She emphasized environmental sustainability, gender equality, and economic stability, steering Iceland through the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining one of the highest living standards globally. She remained in office until 2024.
At the end of 2024, Iceland elected its third woman prime minister Kristrún Frostadóttir.
India
Indira Gandhi was India’s first and, so far, only female Prime Minister, serving from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. The daughter of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, she rose to power as the leader of the Indian National Congress and became known for her strong and often authoritarian leadership. Her decision to impose a state of emergency from 1975 to 1977, suspending civil liberties and jailing political opponents, remains controversial. She remains a polarizing historical figure to this day.
Indonesia
Megawati Sukarnoputri made history as Indonesia’s first female president, serving from 2001 to 2004. The daughter of Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, she became the leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and rose to prominence after the 1998 Asian financial crisis, which led to the resignation of President Suharto. Sukarnoputri assumed the presidency after the impeachment of President Abdurrahman Wahid, and her tenure focused on stabilizing Indonesia’s economy, pursuing democratic reforms, and maintaining national unity.
Israel
Golda Meir was Israel’s first and only female prime minister, serving from 1969 to 1974. Often referred to as the “Iron Lady” of Israeli politics, Meir was one of the founding members of the State of Israel and a key figure in its early history. Before becoming prime minister, she held various high-ranking positions, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Labor. During her tenure as prime minister, Meir oversaw critical moments in Israel’s history, including the Yom Kippur War of 1973, which significantly impacted her leadership and led to her resignation.
Italy
Giorgia Meloni is Italy’s first female prime minister, having assumed office in October 2022. She is the leader of the far-right political party Brothers of Italy. Before becoming prime minister, Meloni served as Italy’s Minister of Youth in 2008-2011 and was a member of the Italian Parliament. Her leadership is defined by a strong nationalist platform, emphasizing traditional family values, Italy’s sovereignty, and a tough stance on immigration.
Jamaica
Portia Simpson-Miller served as the first female Prime Minister of Jamaica, holding office from 2006 to 2007 and then again from 2012 to 2016. A member of the People’s National Party, Simpson-Miller had a long career in Jamaican politics, first elected to the House of Representatives in 1976. Known for her charismatic leadership and advocacy for social justice, she focused on issues such as poverty alleviation, health care, and education during her time as prime minister.
Kyrgyzstan
Roza Otunbayeva made history as the first female president of Kyrgyzstan, serving as the country’s interim president from 2010 to 2011. She assumed office following the ousting of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev during the 2010 revolution. Otunbayeva, a former diplomat and politician, played a critical role in stabilizing the country after the political upheaval, overseeing a peaceful transition to a new government. Her tenure focused on implementing democratic reforms, strengthening the rule of law, and advocating for gender equality.
Latvia
Laimdota Straujuma became Latvia’s first female prime minister, serving from 2014 to 2016. Straujuma was a seasoned politician and economist before taking office. She had previously served as the Minister for Agriculture and later as the Minister for Economics. As prime minister, Straujuma focused on Latvia’s economic recovery after the global financial crisis, as well as pursuing reforms in the public sector, energy, and education. Her government also supported Latvia’s membership in the European Union and NATO.
Evika Siliņa is a Latvian politician and the current Prime Minister of Latvia, having taken office in January 2024. Before becoming prime minister, Siliņa held various key positions in Latvian politics, including serving as Minister of Welfare from 2022 to 2023, where she worked on policies addressing social welfare, child protection, and labor issues.
Liberia
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf made history as the first female president of Liberia and the first elected female head of state in Africa. She served two terms from 2006 to 2018. A highly respected economist and politician, Johnson Sirleaf’s presidency focused on rebuilding Liberia after its devastating civil war, which ended in 2003. Her leadership prioritized economic recovery, infrastructure development, education, and healthcare reforms, as well as attracting international investment. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011, alongside Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkol Karman, for their efforts in promoting women’s rights and peace in Africa.
Lithuania
Kazimira Prunskienė was the first female Prime Minister of Lithuania, serving from 1990 to 1991. She played a pivotal role in Lithuania’s journey toward independence from the Soviet Union. She became prime minister shortly after Lithuania declared independence from the Soviet Union in March 1990. Her tenure was marked by the challenging task of managing the country’s transition from Soviet rule to a newly established democratic government. Her term was short-lived.
Ingrida Šimonytė was the most recent female prime minister of Lithuania, serving from 2020 to 2024. As prime minister, Šimonytė has focused on economic reforms, social welfare, and strengthening Lithuania’s ties with the European Union and NATO. Her leadership has been marked by a commitment to democratic values, support for Lithuania’s growing tech sector, and a firm stance on issues like national security and energy independence.
Malawi
Joyce Banda served as Malawi’s president from 2012 to 2014. Banda was first appointed as the country’s vice president in 2009, and she ascended to the presidency after the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika in 2012. As president, Banda focused on economic reforms, anti-corruption measures, and improving social welfare programs, with a particular emphasis on education and women’s rights.
Marshall Islands
Hilda Heine made history as the first female president of the Marshall Islands, serving from 2016 to 2020. Prior to her presidency, Heine had a long career in education and public service, including roles as the country’s Minister of Education and later as a senator. As president, Heine focused on tackling economic development and strengthening the nation’s diplomatic relationships, particularly with the United States and other Pacific nations. She was a vocal advocate for environmental sustainability.
Mexico
Claudia Sheinbaum was the former mayor of Mexico City and was elected Mexico’s first president in 2024. Before her role as mayor, Sheinbaum held various positions in academia and public administration, including serving as Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador from 2000 to 2006.
Moldova
Zinaida Greceanîi was the first woman to serve as the Prime Minister of Moldova, holding office from 2005 to 2009. A member of the Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova (PCRM), Greceanîi was known for her work in social policies and economic reforms during her tenure.
Natalia Gavrilița became the second female prime minister of Moldova in 2021. A member of the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), Gavrilița has focused on anti-corruption measures, economic reforms, and strengthening Moldova’s relationships with the European Union and other international partners. Her government has been tasked with addressing significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, energy issues, and governance reforms.
Myanmar
Aung San Suu Kyi has been the most prominent female political leader in the country’s history. As the leader of the National League for Democracy, she was democratically elected Myanmar’s State Counsellor (a role similar to a prime minister) from 2016 to 2021, effectively serving as the de facto head of government. A Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Suu Kyi spent years under house arrest for her pro-democracy activism against prior military rule in the country. During her leadership, she focused on democratic reforms and economic development. In 2021, she was removed from power in another military coup.
New Zealand
Jenny Shipley became New Zealand’s first female prime minister in 1997, leading the center-right National Party. She took office after replacing Jim Bolger as party leader and served until 1999. Her tenure focused on economic reforms, welfare restructuring, and strengthening foreign relations, but she lost the 1999 general election to Helen Clark.
Helen Clark was New Zealand’s second female prime minister and the first to be elected, serving from 1999 to 2008 as the leader of the Labour Party. She prioritized social policies, healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability while strengthening New Zealand’s international role.
Jacinda Ardern office in 2017 as leader of the Labour Party, becoming New Zealand’s third female prime minister. Her leadership was defined by her empathetic and decisive handling of crises, including the Christchurch mosque attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic challenges. She was widely praised for her progressive policies on climate change, social welfare, and gender equality before stepping down in 2023.
Nicaragua
Violeta Chamorro is the only woman to have served as President of Nicaragua, holding office from 1990 to 1997. A prominent journalist and political figure, she became the leader of the National Opposition Union, a broad coalition that defeated incumbent Daniel Ortega in the 1990 elections, ending over a decade of Sandinista rule. As president, Chamorro focused on national reconciliation, economic stabilization, and rebuilding Nicaragua after years of civil conflict. Her administration worked to demobilize armed groups, implement democratic reforms, and restore relations with the international community. Though her presidency faced economic hardships and political challenges, Chamorro is widely credited with restoring democracy and paving the way for a more open political system in Nicaragua.
Norway
Gro Harlem Brundtland became Norway’s first female prime minister in 1981, serving three non-consecutive terms (1981, 1986–1989, and 1990–1996) as the leader of the Labour Party. A trained physician, Brundtland was known for her focus on public health, gender equality, and environmental policies.
Erna Solberg served as Norway’s second female prime minister from 2013 to 2021 as the leader of the Conservative Party. Her tenure was marked by economic reforms, a strong focus on security and defense, and Norway’s response to global challenges such as the refugee crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. She also prioritized digital transformation and sustainability efforts while maintaining Norway’s position as a leader in renewable energy and climate policy.
Pakistan
Benazir Bhutto was the only female prime minister of Pakistan to date. She served two non-consecutive terms from 1988 to 1990 and 1993 to 1996. As the leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party and the first woman to lead a Muslim-majority nation, Bhutto’s tenure was marked by efforts to modernize Pakistan, improve healthcare and education, and promote women’s rights. However, her government faced challenges, including economic difficulties, corruption allegations, and political opposition, leading to her dismissal on both occasions. After years in exile, she returned to Pakistan in 2007 but was tragically assassinated in a terrorist attack during a campaign rally.
Panama
Mireya Moscoso is the only woman to have served as President of Panama, holding office from 1999 to 2004. As the leader of the Arnulfista Party, she was elected as the country’s first female president, following in the political footsteps of her late husband, former President Arnulfo Arias. During her tenure, she oversaw the historic transfer of the Panama Canal from U.S. to Panamanian control in 1999, a milestone in the country’s sovereignty. Her administration focused on social welfare programs, poverty reduction, and education reforms.
Peru
Dina Boluarte is the first and only woman to serve as President of Peru, assuming office on December 7, 2022. A lawyer and politician, she previously served as Vice President and Minister of Development and Social Inclusion under President Pedro Castillo. Boluarte became president following Castillo’s impeachment and removal after he attempted to dissolve Congress. Her tenure has been marked by political instability, mass protests, and challenges in governance, as she has struggled to maintain public support while addressing economic and social issues.
Philippines
Corazon Aquino served as the first female president of the Philippines from 1986 to 1992, becoming a global symbol of democracy after leading the People Power Revolution that ended Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorship. As the widow of assassinated opposition leader Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., she united opposition forces and restored democratic institutions, focusing on constitutional reforms, economic recovery, and human rights.
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo served as president from 2001 to 2010, making her the second female and longest-serving leader since Marcos. Initially vice president, she took office after the ousting of Joseph Estrada and was later elected to a full term in 2004. Her presidency was marked by economic growth, infrastructure projects, and counterterrorism efforts, but it was also marred by corruption scandals and allegations of election fraud.
Portugal
Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo served as the country’s first and only woman in the role from 1979 to 1980. A skilled engineer and politician, Pintasilgo was appointed as Prime Minister during a transitional period following the Carnation Revolution, which had ended decades of dictatorship. Her short tenure focused on social reforms, gender equality, and improving welfare policies, particularly in education and healthcare.
Romania
Viorica Dăncilă is the only woman to have served as Prime Minister of Romania, holding office from 2018 to 2019. A member of the Social Democratic Party, she was appointed as Romania’s first female prime minister after previously serving as a Member of the European Parliament from 2009 to 2018. Her tenure focused on economic policies, social welfare, and judicial reforms. However, it was also marked by controversies over accusations of democratic backsliding and clashes with the European Union regarding rule-of-law concerns.
Samoa
Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa is the first woman to serve as Prime Minister of Samoa, assuming office in 2021 after a historic political transition. A member of the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party, she was elected after a contentious election that resulted in a power struggle between her party and the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), which had dominated the country for decades. Prior to becoming prime minister, Mata’afa had a long career in public service, including serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
São Tomé and Príncipe
Maria das Neves served as Prime Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe, holding office from 2002 to 2004. A member of the Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe – Social Democratic Party (MLSTP-PSD), she was appointed as prime minister after the party’s victory in the 2002 elections. Neves focused on stabilizing the economy, reducing poverty, and improving public services during her tenure.
Maria do Carmo Silveira was appointed to the position following the resignation of her predecessor. During her time in office (2005-2006), she focused on addressing the country’s economic challenges and strengthening its governance structures. Silveira’s tenure was relatively brief, and after her term as prime minister, she continued to play an influential role in the country’s political life.
Serbia
Ana Brnabić is the only woman to have served as the Prime Minister of Serbia, holding office from 2017 – 2024. A member of the Serbian Progressive Party, Brnabić was appointed by President Aleksandar Vučić, making her the first openly gay person to hold the office of prime minister in Serbia. Brnabić has focused on modernizing Serbia’s economy, improving its infrastructure, and advancing digital transformation. Despite her progressive policies, her tenure has faced criticism, particularly regarding concerns about democratic backsliding and media freedom in the country. Despite her open sexuality, she did nothing to reverse the country’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.
Slovakia
Iveta Radičová is the only woman to have served as Prime Minister of Slovakia, holding office from 2010 to 2012. A sociologist by training, she was a member of the Slovak Democratic and Christian Union – Democratic Party. Radičová became prime minister after leading her party to victory in the 2010 parliamentary elections. Her tenure focused on fiscal austerity measures, economic reforms, and tackling corruption, but she faced challenges in implementing her policies due to coalition disputes.
Slovenia
Alenka Bratušek is the only woman to have served as Prime Minister of Slovenia, holding office from 2013 to 2014. A member of the Positive Slovenia party, she was appointed as prime minister after her predecessor, Janez Janša, was ousted following a corruption scandal. Bratušek’s government focused on addressing Slovenia’s economic crisis, implementing austerity measures, and restructuring the banking sector. Despite her efforts to stabilize the economy, Bratušek’s administration faced political challenges, and she was eventually replaced after losing support in parliament.
South Korea
Park Geun-Hye is the only woman to have served as President of South Korea, holding office from 2013 to 2017. A member of the Saenuri Party, she became the country’s first female president and the daughter of former President Park Chung-hee, who ruled South Korea from 1963 to 1979. Her presidency was initially marked by strong economic growth, efforts to enhance security, and a focus on improving relations with North Korea. However, her tenure was marred by a massive corruption scandal involving close associates, leading to her impeachment by the National Assembly in 2016 and removal from office in 2017.
Sri Lanka
Sirimavo Bandaranaike was the first woman in the world to be elected as a head of government, serving as Prime Minister of Sri Lanka in three separate terms: from 1960 to 1965, 1965 to 1970, and 1970 to 1977. A member of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Bandaranaike’s leadership was marked by her focus on social welfare, non-alignment in foreign policy, and nationalizing key industries. Since Bandaranaike’s time in office, Sri Lanka has revised its constitution so that the President (instead of the Prime Minister) is the most powerful governmental position in the country.
Chandrika Kumaratunga was the second woman head of government in Sri Lankan history, though the first (and only so far) woman President. She focused on peace negotiations with the Tamil Tigers, economic reforms, and promoting social justice during her presidency. Kumaratunga’s leadership saw a major effort to end the civil conflict, though it remained unresolved by the end of her term. Her presidency was also marked by her advocacy for women’s rights and her role in shaping Sri Lanka’s political landscape through both her executive and diplomatic efforts.
Sweden
Magdalena Andersson is the only woman to have served as Prime Minister of Sweden, holding office from 2021 to 2022. Andersson’s tenure was focused on key issues like climate change, gender equality, and managing the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. She also prioritized housing and welfare reforms, while navigating Sweden’s role in European and global politics.
Taiwan
Tsai Ing-Wen was the first woman to serve as President of Taiwan, taking office from 2016 to 2024. Tsai’s presidency was marked by a focus on strengthening Taiwan’s democracy, its economy, and its international standing, particularly in the face of growing pressure from China. Before becoming president, she held various government positions, including chair of the Mainland Affairs Council and vice premier, where she was instrumental in navigating cross-strait relations. Tsai has also been a strong advocate for gender equality and social reforms, earning international recognition for her leadership and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tanzania
Samia Suluhu Hassan is the first woman to serve as President of Tanzania, having assumed office in March 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli. A member of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, she previously served as the Vice President of Tanzania from 2015 to 2021, and has had a long political career that includes roles in diplomacy, government, and public service. As president, Suluhu Hassan has focused on addressing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, improving relations with neighboring countries, and pursuing more inclusive governance. She is known for her pragmatic leadership style
Thailand
Yingluck Shinawatra is the only woman to have served as Prime Minister of Thailand, holding office from 2011 to 2014. A member of the Pheu Thai Party, Yingluck became the first female prime minister in Thai history and the youngest person to hold the office at the time. During her tenure, she focused on economic policies aimed at boosting the agricultural sector, expanding social welfare programs, and improving infrastructure. However, her administration faced significant political unrest, including mass protests and accusations of corruption, ultimately leading to her ousting by a controversial court ruling in 2014.
Trinidad and Tobago
Kamla Persad-Bissessar is the only woman to have served as Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, holding office from 2010 to 2015. A member of the United National Congress she became the country’s first female prime minister after leading her party to victory in the 2010 general elections. Persad-Bissessar’s tenure was marked by her focus on economic diversification, social reforms, and improving education and healthcare. Under her leadership, the government implemented a number of infrastructure projects and worked to improve relations with the private sector.
Ukraine
Yulia Tymoshenko is the most prominent woman to have held high office in Ukraine. She was a key political figure, serving as Prime Minister of Ukraine twice, from 2005 to 2007 and again from 2007 to 2010. During her tenure, she focused on pro-European Union policies, economic reforms, and anti-corruption efforts. Her leadership was characterized by her strong stance on national sovereignty and her leadership in the Orange Revolution, which opposed electoral fraud and sought democratic reforms. During Tymoshenko’s tenure, the Prime Minister role held more authority over the cabinet and state administration, and the President’s role in day-to-day governance was reduced compared governmental style of 1991-2004. In 2010, these constitutional changes were reversed so that now the position of President is the more dominant political figure.
United Kingdom
Margaret Thatcher was the first woman prime minister, serving from 1979 to 1990 as the leader of the Conservative Party. Known as the “Iron Lady,” Thatcher was a pioneering figure in British politics, with a tenure marked by strong conservative policies, including reducing the power of trade unions, privatizing state-owned industries, and championing a free-market economy. Her policies, often divisive, had a lasting impact on the country, shaping its modern political and economic landscape.
Theresa May was the second woman to hold the office, serving as prime minister from 2016 to 2019. Also a member of the Conservative Party, May became prime minister during the Brexit crisis and attempted to navigate the country’s exit from the European Union. Despite her best efforts, her leadership was undermined by political divisions over Brexit, leading to her resignation.
Liz Truss was the most recent woman to hold the role of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Her very brief term of only 49 days has the unfortunate distinction of being the shortest tenure in UK history. Truss’s government formation was cut short due to political and economic turmoil following her controversial economic policies, particularly her plan for unfunded tax cuts, which led to market instability and a loss of confidence from both her party and the public.
