How Women Leaders Are Redefining Global Statecraft

Globally, where less than 10% of countries are led by women, gender stereotypes continue to shape, constrain, and challenge female political leaders. From the earliest pioneers to the resilient present-day figures, women in politics have weathered layers of scrutiny and systemic barriers to achieve high office, demonstrating a distinct, transformative style of leadership that endures despite myriad obstacles.

The journey of female leaders around the world underscores a story of progress hindered by enduring biases. Unlike their male counterparts, women in positions of power are frequently subjected to judgments based on appearance, voice, and demeanor. Even in high office, their authority and leadership style are met with a level of scrutiny not typically applied to male politicians. Female heads of state, while rare, have nonetheless left an indelible impact, illustrating that leadership capacity transcends gender.

Women in politics face a level of personal and public assessment that reflects deep-seated stereotypes. Physical appearance is often highlighted in discussions of female politicians, and traits such as assertiveness or empathy are scrutinized depending on societal expectations. For instance, a powerful and decisive tone can be lauded in male leaders but critiqued in women, who may be unfairly judged as either "too harsh" or "too soft." This paradox persists even as society ostensibly embraces gender equality in other domains, leaving female politicians in a double bind, where their demeanor is frequently under the magnifying glass.

The impact of these stereotypes is compounded by the reality that women remain a minority in high-level political roles. This scarcity perpetuates notions of leadership as inherently masculine, reinforcing the narrow expectations placed on women in power. Male political figures are seldom critiqued for balancing empathy with authority; yet women leaders are often pigeonholed, needing to strike a “perfect balance” to avoid backlash.

The risks that women in politics face extend beyond verbal criticism. For many, threats to personal safety are a near-constant reality, with female politicians receiving a disproportionate amount of harassment, violence, and threats. These dangers add a profound layer of difficulty to an already demanding role, presenting a unique challenge that can deter qualified women from seeking public office. Security concerns can also limit their public visibility and engagement, indirectly restricting their ability to connect with constituents and drive change.

Furthermore, balancing family responsibilities with political ambitions presents another hurdle. Unlike many male counterparts, female politicians often lack sufficient support in the form of accessible childcare or family leave, systems that could ease the burden of dual responsibilities. These issues remain prevalent even as societal norms evolve, illustrating the need for dedicated support structures that would enable more women to pursue and sustain political careers.

Securing funding for campaigns is one of the most decisive aspects of any political bid, and here too, women face steep challenges. Without equal access to resources, female politicians are often at a disadvantage when trying to compete on an equal footing with male candidates. Donor networks remain overwhelmingly male-dominated, with established pathways favoring male candidates who have traditionally held political power. This discrepancy in funding can result in fewer campaign resources, limiting a woman’s ability to reach a broad base of voters or assemble a robust campaign team.

Inadequate funding can also force female politicians to make difficult choices, balancing visibility with budget constraints in a way that can impact their overall reach and effectiveness. This lack of financial support serves as a structural obstacle, suggesting that genuine gender equality in politics will require not just policy changes but also a rethinking of funding norms and donor support for women in leadership.

The story of women in political leadership is filled with figures who broke through these barriers and left a lasting legacy. Sirimavo Bandaranaike’s rise as the world’s first elected female prime minister in 1960 in Sri Lanka stands as a beacon for women aspiring to public office. Leading during a period of social and political change, Bandaranaike demonstrated that women could wield authority with efficacy, reshaping Sri Lanka’s political landscape while opening doors for future female leaders.

Similarly, María Estela Martínez de Perón, known as Isabel Perón, became the first woman president of Argentina in 1974 after the death of her husband, President Juan Domingo Perón. Despite immense challenges, including political violence and economic turmoil, her presidency marked a significant milestone for Latin America, placing a woman in one of the highest offices in the region. Her experience highlighted the daunting pressures that female leaders face, particularly when assuming power in times of national crisis.

Other figures, like Violeta Barrios de Chamorro of Nicaragua, who was elected in 1990 as the first woman president in Latin America through a democratic process, further solidified women’s role in the region’s political evolution. Chamorro’s tenure ushered in a new era for Nicaragua, and her election signaled a pivotal shift, proving that women could lead and transform nations even in traditionally male-dominated societies.

In Chile, Michelle Bachelet’s two non-consecutive terms as president reflected her focus on social justice and gender equality, making her a powerful symbol of change. Her work in promoting human rights and education reform resonated far beyond her country’s borders, earning her international recognition, including a spot in Time magazine’s influential Time 100 list. Bachelet’s appointment as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights further underscored her commitment to social issues on a global scale, illustrating the impact a dedicated female leader can make.

Iceland’s Vigdís Finnbogadóttir also made history, becoming the world’s first democratically elected female president in 1980. Her 16-year presidency highlighted the stability and continuity that female leadership could offer, challenging perceptions of women’s capabilities in executive roles.

Female Leaders Who Defined an Era

In politics, women have not only shaped the future of their own nations but have also left indelible marks on the international stage. These leaders, from Angela Merkel’s steady hand on Germany’s helm to Indira Gandhi’s formidable presence in India, Jacinda Ardern’s empathetic governance in New Zealand, and Margaret Thatcher’s uncompromising economic reforms in the United Kingdom, exemplify the diverse ways women can influence and reshape political landscapes. Their distinct approaches to leadership showcase how resilience, vision, and a deep commitment to public service transcend gender, each leaving a legacy that resonates well beyond their borders.

Angela Merkel’s tenure as Germany’s chancellor, lasting from November 2005 to December 2021, marked an era of stability and quiet strength for Germany and Europe at large. As Germany’s first female chancellor, Merkel led with a style often described as pragmatic and unassuming. She drew on her scientific training as a quantum chemist, which fostered an analytical mindset well-suited to high-stakes decision-making. Merkel’s upbringing in communist East Germany instilled in her a resilience that would serve her well amid the turbulent years to come.

Merkel’s approach to leadership came to the fore during the 2008 financial crisis. In a period of economic uncertainty, she championed fiscal conservatism, positioning Germany as a stabilizing force within the European Union. Merkel’s role was pivotal when the eurozone’s stability was threatened, working tirelessly to prevent a potential unraveling of the EU by spearheading multilateral efforts for financial recovery across Europe.

In 2015, Merkel’s leadership was again tested when Europe was hit by a significant migration crisis. She pursued an open-door policy, emphasizing humanitarian duty over populist pressures, and famously declared, “Wir schaffen das” (“We can do this”). This decision, while controversial, underscored her commitment to humanitarian principles but also led to a divide within Germany and Europe on immigration policy.

Merkel’s final act of leadership came with the COVID-19 pandemic, during which she supported the unprecedented move to finance EU recovery funds through common debt—an effort that underscored her dedication to European unity. Merkel’s legacy remains one of stability and crisis management, her efforts laying a foundation for the continuity of the EU and proving that patient, calculated leadership can yield lasting impacts.

Indira Gandhi, India’s first female prime minister, led the world’s largest democracy from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. A figure shaped by India’s struggle for independence, Gandhi entered office with a fervent belief in a united, progressive India, one committed to the principles of self-reliance and sovereignty. Her vision for India’s future was coupled with a determination to bolster national security and strengthen India’s position on the world stage.

During her tenure, Gandhi pursued policies that promoted social and economic modernization, aiming to transform India’s agrarian economy. Her boldest domestic initiative, the Green Revolution, significantly increased India’s agricultural production, helping the country achieve self-sufficiency in food grains. However, Gandhi’s leadership was not without controversy. In 1975, she declared a state of emergency, citing civil unrest. This 21-month period, during which elections were suspended and civil liberties curtailed, remains one of the most polarizing aspects of her legacy.

In the international arena, Gandhi was a stalwart advocate for India’s sovereignty and global peace. She pursued a non-aligned stance during the Cold War, aligning India neither with the United States nor the Soviet Union, and sought to protect India’s autonomy amid geopolitical pressures. Her leadership during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War further cemented her role as a powerful and decisive figure on the global stage, demonstrating her ability to blend diplomacy with military resolve.

Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s prime minister from 2017 to 2023, entered office with a style that quickly drew international attention for its empathy and inclusivity. Assuming leadership at just 37, Ardern became the world’s youngest female head of government at the time. Her approach to governance prioritized transparency, compassion, and a distinctive blend of progressive policies, resonating not only in New Zealand but around the world.

Ardern’s tenure was marked by three major crises that would test her empathetic approach to leadership. Following the tragic Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019, Ardern demonstrated remarkable composure, extending compassion and solidarity to the Muslim community. Her swift response, including passing strict gun control measures, won global admiration and underscored her belief in decisive action for public safety.

Ardern’s leadership style was again visible during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she implemented some of the strictest lockdown measures globally, resulting in one of the lowest infection rates at the time. Her clear communication and emphasis on collective responsibility fostered public trust, proving the effectiveness of empathetic governance during crisis situations.

Throughout her time in office, Ardern emphasized progressive policies on climate change, child welfare, and indigenous rights, championing a vision of New Zealand as an inclusive society. Her style demonstrated that empathy and pragmatism could coexist, inspiring a new generation of leaders around the globe.

Margaret Thatcher, the United Kingdom’s first female prime minister, served from 1979 to 1990, earning the moniker “The Iron Lady” for her unwavering stance on economic and social reforms. Thatcher’s tenure remains one of the most transformative—and controversial—in British history, as she sought to redefine the British economy through neoliberal policies that emphasized privatization, deregulation, and market-oriented reforms.

Thatcher’s leadership emerged in the wake of economic stagnation, and she made it her mission to overhaul the British economy, advocating for reduced government intervention and championing individualism over collectivism. Her policies resulted in the privatization of state-owned industries, including energy, water, and transportation. While these reforms bolstered efficiency and spurred economic growth, they also exacerbated social inequalities, drawing criticism from labor unions and working-class communities.

On the world stage, Thatcher’s assertiveness extended beyond economic policy. In 1982, she led Britain in the Falklands War, responding swiftly to Argentina’s invasion of the British-controlled islands. Her resolve during the conflict solidified her reputation for decisiveness, as Britain’s victory reaffirmed her commitment to national sovereignty and further entrenched her legacy as a formidable force in British politics.

Thatcher’s influence extended to the United States, where she developed a close political alignment with President Ronald Reagan, both of whom championed free-market ideologies that reshaped Western political thought. Her policies set a precedent for conservative economic approaches that would continue to influence Britain long after her tenure, marking her as a defining figure of late-20th-century politics.

Women Heads of State and the U.S. Presidency

In the global politics, one milestone remains conspicuously absent: the election of a woman to the office of the President of the United States. Despite significant strides made by women in various facets of American political life, the highest office in the land has eluded female leaders—a reality that may change as the 2024 presidential election approaches. Vice President Kamala Harris, the first woman to serve in her role, stands at the precipice of history, potentially positioned to break one of the world’s most enduring glass ceilings.

The United States isn’t alone in this regard. Spain, another democratic powerhouse, has yet to elect a female head of state, a fact mirrored by many other developed nations. Yet, while countries like Spain and the U.S. have lagged, other parts of the world have paved the way, particularly in Latin America, where women leaders have long held prominent roles. Currently, according to the United Nations, 26 countries are led by women, with Europe leading the count, followed by the Americas, where leaders like Claudia Sheinbaum are set to further shift the gender dynamic.

With an extensive background in law and politics, Kamala Harris brings both experience and charisma to her role as Vice President. She’s been a trailblazer from the start, as the first woman, first Black woman, and first person of South Asian descent to serve as Vice President. Her background as California’s Attorney General and a U.S. Senator has fortified her political presence, marked by her commitment to reforms in criminal justice, immigration, and social equality.

While Harris’s rise to prominence may seem rapid to the American public, her ascent has been the result of decades in the political trenches. Her speech at the 2012 Democratic National Convention was a defining moment, catapulting her into national consciousness and laying the groundwork for her Senate campaign. Running on a platform that included immigration and criminal justice reform, minimum wage increases, and reproductive rights, Harris won her Senate seat comfortably, establishing herself as a fixture of the Democratic Party.

International politics expert María Antonia Sánchez-Vallejo notes that Harris has maintained a unique position within the Biden administration, one that defies traditional notions of vice-presidential subservience. “She has never been Biden's dolphin or a mere subordinate,” Sánchez-Vallejo observes, adding that Harris possesses an “indisputable charisma” and a willingness to speak frankly, qualities that have earned her admiration but also subjected her to scrutiny and even mockery from her opponents.

Despite these challenges, Harris’s experience is undeniable; she boasts a more extensive political record than former President Donald Trump, and her policy-driven agenda has won her bipartisan respect. Republicans recognize her as a formidable opponent and a viable contender for the presidency. As the 2024 election approaches, Harris’s chances could alter the political landscape, not only for the United States but also for the global perception of women’s roles in governance.

While the U.S. lags in placing a woman at its helm, other regions are pushing forward with women in leadership. Latin America, in particular, stands out, with more than 15 women having led the governments of 11 countries. Claudia Sheinbaum, set to become Mexico’s first female president, is the latest example of the region’s progressive approach to female political representation.

Across the Atlantic, Europe leads the global tally with 12 female heads of state or government, highlighting an enduring commitment to gender parity in politics. These include leaders such as Katerina Sakellaropoulou in Greece, Giorgia Meloni in Italy, and Sahle-Work Zewde in Ethiopia. Each of these leaders brings a unique perspective shaped by their country’s distinct social and political landscapes.

The prevalence of female leaders in Latin America is a striking contrast to the male-dominated political systems in the U.S. and Europe. Leaders like Sandra Mason in Barbados, Sylvanie Burton in the Dominican Republic, Xiomara Castro in Honduras, and Dina Boluarte in Peru, reflect a commitment to inclusive representation. Each of these women has brought a fresh approach to governance, advocating for progressive social policies, human rights, and economic reform amid challenges unique to their regions.

Xiomara Castro, for example, elected in 2022 as Honduras’s first female president, has faced issues ranging from endemic poverty to gang violence, balancing social reform with national security concerns. Similarly, Dina Boluarte of Peru has sought to address the country’s political instability, marking her presidency with efforts to stabilize the economy while advancing social initiatives.

These Latin American leaders exemplify a resilience and drive that have redefined political expectations across the region. Their success illustrates the potential impact of a female president in the United States, underscoring that a shift toward gender inclusivity in leadership can resonate far beyond domestic politics.

Women leaders bring distinct approaches to governance, often shaped by their unique life experiences and societal expectations. In the case of Kamala Harris, her open laughter and spontaneity have made her both a subject of media fascination and a target for memes, a reminder of the double standards women leaders face in the public eye. Yet Harris, like other female leaders, has used her authenticity to connect with voters, emphasizing her dedication to issues that resonate with everyday Americans.

This authenticity is evident across the spectrum of female leaders globally. From the calculated, economically driven policies of Giorgia Meloni in Italy to the socially progressive agenda of Claudia Sheinbaum in Mexico, women leaders are crafting policy agendas that reflect both their personal convictions and their national realities.

However, women leaders also face heightened scrutiny and opposition, often needing to justify their positions in ways their male counterparts do not. The persistence of these double standards remains one of the greatest challenges for women in politics, highlighting the importance of figures like Harris, who openly tackle these biases.

The election of a woman to the U.S. presidency would be historic, reshaping perceptions of female leadership on a global scale. A successful Harris candidacy could inspire a wave of similar breakthroughs in countries where women still face significant barriers to political participation. It would signal a new chapter for American politics, one in which leadership transcends gender, reflecting the diversity of a modern nation.

A Harris presidency could also shift U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing diplomacy, social justice, and a collaborative approach to international relations—an agenda that aligns closely with Harris’s track record in domestic politics. Her focus on criminal justice reform, reproductive rights, and social equity could extend to foreign policy, influencing the U.S.’s stance on global human rights issues, immigration, and gender equality.

Additionally, a Harris presidency could strengthen the U.S.’s alliances with nations that have embraced female leadership, aligning the country with a growing movement of women leaders worldwide. This coalition could amplify global efforts to address challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and economic disparity, signaling a more cooperative and inclusive approach to international diplomacy.

In-text Citation: (Espinosa Torres, 2024, pp. 22-25)