This article highlights 10 prominent women in politics who have broken barriers and made significant contributions to advancing gender equality, social justice, and human rights. From Kamala Harris, the first female Vice President of the United States, to Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African to be appointed as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, these women have shattered glass ceilings and led with strength and determination. Whether it’s Jacinda Ardern’s compassionate leadership during crises, Angela Merkel’s pragmatic approach to governance, or Aung San Suu Kyi’s nonviolent struggle for democracy and human rights, these women’s achievements serve as an inspiration for women and girls around the world.
10 Prominent Women in Politics Who Are Breaking Barriers
1. Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris made history in 2021 by becoming the first female Vice President of the United States. Harris is also the first African American and first Asian American to hold the office. Prior to her election as Vice President, Harris served as a U.S. Senator from California and as the Attorney General of California, where she gained a reputation for her tough stance on crime and criminal justice reform.
2. Jacinda Ardern
Jacinda Ardern has been the Prime Minister of New Zealand since 2017, becoming the youngest woman to ever hold the position. Ardern has been praised for her leadership during times of crisis, including her handling of the Christchurch mosque shootings and the COVID-19 pandemic. She has been a strong advocate for women’s rights and has implemented policies to address issues such as child poverty and climate change.
3. Angela Merkel
As the first female Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel has been a prominent figure in European politics for over a decade. Merkel is known for her pragmatic leadership style and has been a key player in addressing issues such as the Eurozone crisis and the refugee crisis. She has also been a strong advocate for gender equality and has worked to increase the representation of women in politics and business.
4. Sanna Marin
Sanna Marin made history in 2019 when she became the Prime Minister of Finland, making her the youngest sitting Prime Minister in the world at the age of 34. Marin has been a vocal advocate for progressive policies, including gender equality, social justice, and climate action. She has also been praised for her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland.
5. Nicola Sturgeon
Nicola Sturgeon has been the First Minister of Scotland since 2014, becoming the first woman to hold the position. Sturgeon has been a prominent figure in the Scottish independence movement and has been a key player in the country’s response to Brexit. She has also been a strong advocate for women’s rights and has worked to increase the representation of women in Scottish politics.
6. Michelle Bachelet
Michelle Bachelet has been a trailblazer in Chilean politics, serving as the first female President of Chile from 2006 to 2010 and again from 2014 to 2018. Bachelet has been a staunch advocate for social justice and human rights and has worked to address issues such as gender inequality, poverty, and indigenous rights. She has also held prominent roles at the United Nations, including as the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
7. Aung San Suu Kyi
Aung San Suu Kyi has been a prominent figure in Myanmar politics for decades, serving as the leader of the National League for Democracy and as State Counsellor of Myanmar. Suu Kyi has been a symbol of resistance and democracy in Myanmar and has been recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize for her nonviolent struggle for democracy and human rights.
8. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf made history in 2006 when she became the first female President of Liberia, making her the first female head of state in Africa. Sirleaf has been a prominent figure in international politics and has been recognized for her efforts to promote peace, reconciliation, and gender equality. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her work in women’s rights and peacebuilding.
9. Tsai Ing-wen
Tsai Ing-wen has been the President of Taiwan since 2016, becoming the first woman to hold the office. Tsai has been a key figure in Taiwan’s pro-democracy movement and has worked to strengthen the country’s international standing. She has also been a strong advocate for gender equality and has worked to address issues such as domestic violence and reproductive rights.
10. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala made history in 2021 when she became the first woman and the first African to be appointed as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization. Okonjo-Iweala has been a prominent figure in international finance and development, serving as the Finance Minister of Nigeria and as a Managing Director at the World Bank. She has been a vocal advocate for economic reform, gender equality, and poverty reduction.
These 10 prominent women have broken barriers in the world of politics and have made significant contributions to advancing gender equality, social justice, and human rights. Their leadership and achievements serve as an inspiration for women and girls around the world, showing that there are no limits to what women can accomplish in the political arena.