Over the past few decades, women have been breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings in fields that were traditionally male-dominated. One area where we have seen a significant shift towards gender equality is in politics, with women rising to positions of power and leadership in countries around the world. From New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern to Germany’s Angela Merkel, women leaders have demonstrated their ability to bring about positive change and make meaningful contributions to society. In this article, we will explore the backgrounds of some of the most prominent female leaders in the world, highlighting their achievements and leadership styles, and showcasing how they have broken down barriers and paved the way for future generations of women to follow.
(This article is dedicated to International Women’s Day, which falls on March 8).
Jacinda Ardern – New Zealand
New Zealand – Jacinda Ardern has been the Prime Minister of New Zealand since 2017. She has been widely praised for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and for her efforts to address issues such as poverty, mental health, and climate change.
Jacinda Ardern was born on July 26, 1980, in Hamilton, New Zealand. She grew up in Morrinsville and attended Waikato University, where she earned a Bachelor of Communication Studies degree.
Ardern began her political career in 2008 when she was elected to the New Zealand parliament as a member of the Labour Party. She quickly rose through the ranks and was appointed as the deputy leader of the party in 2017. Later that year, she was elected as the leader of the Labour Party, becoming the youngest person to ever hold the position.
In 2017, Ardern led the Labour Party to victory in the New Zealand general election and became the country’s 40th Prime Minister. She was re-elected in 2020, with her party winning a historic majority in parliament. Ardern is known for her progressive policies and leadership style, which emphasizes empathy, kindness, and social justice. She is also an advocate for women’s rights and was the first world leader to take maternity leave while in office.
Ardern is widely known for her compassionate leadership style and commitment to social justice. She has been praised for her empathetic response to the Christchurch terrorist attacks in 2019, where 51 people were killed in a mosque shooting. Ardern showed immense empathy towards the Muslim community, offering condolences and promising swift action to address gun control in New Zealand.
In addition to her response to the tragedy, Ardern has also implemented policies aimed at addressing poverty, housing affordability, and climate change. She has introduced a Families Package to address child poverty and has also established the world’s first “wellbeing budget,” which prioritizes social and environmental outcomes alongside economic growth. Her leadership has earned her international acclaim and recognition, and she is often cited as a role model for her empathetic leadership style and commitment to social justice.
Angela Merkel – Germany
Germany – Angela Merkel served as the Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021. During her tenure, she oversaw significant economic growth and implemented policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy. She was also a strong advocate for gender equality and women’s rights.
Angela Merkel is a German politician who served as the Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021. She was born on July 17, 1954, in Hamburg, West Germany. Merkel earned a doctorate in physics from the University of Leipzig and worked as a research scientist before entering politics.
Merkel began her political career in the wake of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. She joined the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, and in 1991 was appointed as the Minister for Women and Youth in the cabinet of Chancellor Helmut Kohl. In 1998, Merkel was elected to the German parliament (Bundestag), and in 2000, she was appointed as the CDU’s Secretary General.
In 2005, Merkel became the first woman to be elected Chancellor of Germany, and she was subsequently re-elected in 2009, 2013, and 2017. During her time in office, Merkel was known for her cautious approach to policymaking and her commitment to the European Union. She played a key role in navigating the eurozone debt crisis and was a vocal advocate for refugees and migrants during the European migrant crisis in 2015.
Merkel is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and influential leaders in the world and has been named the world’s second most powerful person by Forbes magazine several times. She is one of the most inspiring female leaders in the world and proof of the capability of women. She has also been awarded numerous honors and awards for her leadership and contributions to international diplomacy. Merkel retired from politics in 2021 after serving as Chancellor for 16 years.
Mette Frederiksen – Denmark
Denmark – Mette Frederiksen has been the Prime Minister of Denmark since 2019. She has focused on issues such as climate change, immigration, and social welfare, and has been praised for her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mette Frederiksen is a Danish politician who currently serves as the Prime Minister of Denmark. She was born on November 19, 1977, in Aalborg, Denmark.
Frederiksen began her political career in the Social Democrats’ youth organization and was first elected to the Danish parliament (Folketinget) in 2001 at the age of 24. She quickly rose through the ranks of the party and was appointed as the Minister for Employment in 2011.
In 2015, Frederiksen was elected as the leader of the Social Democrats, and under her leadership, the party won the largest share of the vote in the 2019 general election. In June 2019, she became the Prime Minister of Denmark, heading a one-party Social Democratic government.
Frederiksen’s government has focused on a range of issues including climate change, immigration, and social inequality. She has been praised for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing strict measures to control the spread of the virus in Denmark. Frederiksen has also been a vocal advocate for women’s rights and has appointed Denmark’s first female defense minister and first female foreign minister. She is seen as a rising star in European politics and a key player in shaping the future of the European Union.
Tsai Ing-wen – Taiwan
Taiwan – Tsai Ing-wen has been the President of Taiwan since 2016. She is the first female leader to hold this position in Taiwan and has strongly advocated for gender equality and human rights.
Tsai Ing-wen is a Taiwanese politician and academic who has been serving as the President of Taiwan since 2016. She was born on August 31, 1956, in Taipei, Taiwan. Tsai earned a law degree from National Taiwan University before pursuing further education in the United States. She earned a Master of Laws degree from Cornell University and a Ph.D. from the London School of Economics.
Tsai began her political career in the early 1990s, serving in various government positions, including as a trade negotiator and as the Minister of the Mainland Affairs Council. She was appointed as the Chairperson of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in 2008, and in 2016, she was elected as the President of Taiwan, becoming the first woman to hold the position.
As President, Tsai has focused on strengthening Taiwan’s economy, promoting social equality, and enhancing the country’s international standing. She has also been a vocal advocate for democracy and human rights and has worked to improve Taiwan’s relations with other countries, particularly the United States. Tsai’s leadership has been praised for its commitment to democratic values and for its efforts to defend Taiwan’s sovereignty in the face of pressure from China.
Erna Solberg – Norway
Norway – Erna Solberg served as the Prime Minister of Norway from 2013 to 2021. During her tenure, she oversaw significant progress in gender equality, education, and healthcare. She was also a vocal advocate for climate action and sustainable development.
Erna Solberg is a Norwegian politician and the current Leader of the Opposition. She served as the 35th prime minister of Norway from 2013 to 2021. Solberg earned a degree in sociology from the University of Bergen, and began her political career in the late 1970s, working as a member of the Young Conservatives. She was first elected to the Norwegian parliament (Stortinget) in 1989 and has served as the leader of the Conservative Party since 2004.
As Prime Minister, Solberg has focused on a range of issues, including education, healthcare, and economic development. She has been a strong advocate for climate action and has led efforts to reduce Norway’s carbon emissions and promote sustainable development. Solberg has also been a vocal supporter of international development and humanitarian aid and has worked to strengthen Norway’s relationships with other countries and international organizations.
Solberg has received numerous honors and awards over the course of her career in recognition of her leadership and contributions to the public good. She is regarded as one of the most powerful and influential female leaders in the world. And she has frequently been included in Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people.
These countries demonstrate that when women hold positions of power, they can make significant contributions to society and drive progress in areas that benefit everyone. In conclusion, the backgrounds of female leaders in the world such as Jacinda Ardern, Angela Merkel, Mette Frederiksen, Tsai Ing-wen, and Erna Solberg demonstrate that women are capable of taking on positions of power and leadership in any field, including politics. These women have proven that they can effectively lead their countries and make significant contributions to society, challenging the traditional notion that leadership is a masculine trait. With more women rising to positions of power and influence, it is clear that gender should never be a barrier to success or achievement. Women can control and lead countries and anything, and it is vital that we continue to support and encourage their leadership to create a more inclusive and equitable world for all.
Sasindu Jayasri is an Engineering student from Sri Lanka and he studies mechanical engineering at the department of mechanical engineering at the University of Moratuwa. He is passionate about writing and giving inspiration to the world. Follow him in LinkedIn for updates and you can contact him directly.