Women leaders are no longer a rarity in global politics. These days, they are successfully steering nations, making key decisions, and influencing global processes. In this article, we will explore countries currently led by strong and determined ladies.
Iceland
On June 1, 2024, Halla Tomasdottir, an entrepreneur, investor, and social activist, won Iceland’s presidential election. Before becoming president, she held key positions at various financial organizations and was an advocate for gender equality, sustainable development, and ethical business practices. Tomasdottir is Iceland's second female president, following in the footsteps of Vigdis Finnbogadottir, who led the country for 16 years from 1980 to 1996.
Malta
In April 2024, Myriam Spiteri Debono made history as Malta's 11th president, becoming the first woman from the island of Gozo to hold the position. Before that, Spiteri Debono served as speaker of the House of Representatives and was a prominent advocate for women's rights and social policy improvements. She is the third woman to hold the office, continuing the legacy of Agatha Barbara and Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca.
Moldova
Maia Sandu became Moldova’s president in December 2020, making history as the first woman to hold the position. Before assuming the presidency, Sandu played an active role in politics, serving as prime minister. She started her political career in the Ministry of Economy and Trade, where she championed reforms aimed at improving the country's economic health. Sandu also gained international experience as an advisor to the World Bank's executive director in Washington.
India
Droupadi Murmu became India’s 15th president in July 2022, making history as the first indigenous woman to ever hold the office. Before her presidency, Murmu was deeply involved in public service, serving as the governor of Jharkhand and as a legislator representing Odisha. She is the second woman to become president of India, following Pratibha Patil, who headed the country from 2007 to 2012.
Denmark
Mette Frederiksen became Denmark's prime minister in June 2019, making her the youngest woman ever to lead the country. Before becoming prime minister, Frederiksen was an active member of Denmark’s Social Democratic Party, serving as a member of parliament, Minister for Employment, and Minister for Justice. Frederiksen continued the legacy of Helle Thorning-Schmidt, who served as Denmark's prime minister from 2011 to 2015.
Thailand
Paetongtarn Shinawatra became Thailand’s prime minister in August 2023, marking the continuation of the Shinawatra dynasty’s long-standing influence on the country’s politics. Before her appointment, she held key positions at family-run businesses and was a member of the Pheu Thai Party. Shinawatra is the second woman to lead Thailand’s government, following her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, who served as prime minister from 2011 to 2014.
Georgia
Salome Zourabichvili became Georgia’s president in December 2018, making history as the first woman to hold the position. Before her presidency, Zourabichvili served as France’s ambassador to Georgia. In 2004, she became Georgia’s foreign minister, playing a key role in strengthening ties with the European Union and NATO. However, she stepped down from her ministerial post in 2005 to join the opposition due to internal political challenges.
Ethiopia
Sahle-Work Zewde became Ethiopia’s president in October 2018, making her the first woman to hold the office in the country's history. Before becoming president, Zewde served as Ethiopia’s ambassador to France, Djibouti, and Senegal, and held prominent positions at the United Nations, including Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and head of the UN office in Nairobi.