7 women world leaders who are showing how it’s done

Even though women have repeatedly proven that they are the epitome of strength and candour, it has taken a long time for the world to see us beyond our roles as mothers, sisters, wives, and homemakers. And I think it’s safe to say, as a society we are still not where we should be.

Women are breaking down barriers in every part of the world. We see women shattering glass ceilings and emerging as great leaders in the fields of science, sports, business, defence and politics. In the recent times, several female world leaders have proved what a woman can do being in charge. Continue reading to find out why these female leaders are such an inspiration.

Giorgia Meloni

Giorgia Meloni, who began her career in the 90s, won a clear majority in Italy’s election on September 25, 2022, becoming the country's first female prime minister. She is taking over at a perilous time for her country, with a series of overlapping crises such as energy shortages. Meloni will also be maintaining a pro-NATO stance when it comes to supplying Ukraine weapons. Giorgia is a true inspiration because she stands tall, fearlessly as a leader of a nation. We adore a self-assured A-type! 

Jacinda Ardern 

Jacinda Ardern became New Zealand's youngest Prime Minister in 150 years, just two months after becoming the labour party's youngest-ever leader. Her meteoric rise earned her the nickname “Jacindamania”! As a world leader, her ability to communicate with people and speak openly and honestly is one of the many things about her that inspire people. Ardern led New Zealand through the COVID-19 response, making tough calls to protect the nation's health and assisting in the country's economic development faster than any other country in the world. Ardern was the first world leader to bring her baby to a United Nations General Assembly meeting, just a few months after Neve (her daughter) was born. Ardern passed the landmark Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill, and this has remained at the core of New Zealand's climate goals ever since.

Sanna Marin

Marin became the prime minister of Finland at the age of 34. At the age of 27, she presided over the city council of Tampere, which is Finland's third largest city. During that period, her stern leadership came under the spotlight after a video of a 10-hour debate over a high-speed tram proposal went viral. When former Prime Minister Antti Rinne resigned in December 2019, Marin, who was then Minister of Transport and Communications, took over as prime minister. Marin led a five-party coalition in which every leader was female and the majority were under the age of 40, attracting international attention. She was seen as a much-needed breath of fresh air—with her support for breastfeeding mothers and her modest background. Marin is an efficient, competent administrator who prefers an unshowy, evidence-based approach to decision-making.

Samia Suluhu Hassan 

The First female President in the history of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan took office in March 2021, and her administration has been a fresh start for the country. Economic diplomacy and trade relations have greatly improved under her leadership. Hassan delivered a historic speech at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2021, just a few months into her presidency. She was only the fifth African woman leader to do so. 

Xiomara Castro 

Honduran Freedom and Refoundation Party (Libre) member Xiomara Castro has been inaugurated as the nation's first female president. In her inauguration speech, Castro promised to combat corruption, inequality and poverty—all of which she claimed were fueling the massive exodus of Hondurans north. 

Ameenah Gurib-Fakim

Mauritius elected its first female President, who served from 2015 to 2018. Ameenah was the third woman to serve as the country's Head of State. Gurib is a biodiversity scientist and has been making significant contributions to the field of science long before she became president of her country. In Mauritius, she established a research centre devoted to studying the medical and nutritional effects of plant life, of which she is still the Managing Director. Her contributions to the nation and the field of science have been admirable.

Tsai Ing-wen

Ing-wen was elected Taiwan's first female president with more than 56 per cent of the popular vote. She belonged to a minority group, the Hakka, and was of aboriginal descent. She promised to strengthen Taiwan's economy, establish free-trade agreements, and break into regional economic organisations that are becoming increasingly important in controlling global trade. She vowed to address Taiwan's economic and thus social inequities.