Global power gap: Why many top economies still wait for their first female leader
Among worlds 50 biggest economies only seven have women as heads of state right now. While 68% of these nations had female leaders before US remains in group of countries that never did
In top-50 economies worldwide just seven nations currently have women running their governments (not counting queens) The distribution shows three in Europe two in South-Asia and a pair in Latin-America
Among major powers that never had female leadership‚ the US stands alongside China‚ Russia‚ and Saudi Arabia. Even though Hillary Clinton got more votes back in 2016 she didnt win due to Electoral College rules
- Europe: 3 nations with current female leaders
- South Asia: 2 countries led by women
- Latin America: 2 states under female rule
The picture looks better when checking history: about 34 nations (which is 68% of top economies) had at-least one woman in charge. Recently Claudia Sheinbaum made history becoming Mexicos first female president this fall
Looking back‚ Isabel Perón became worlds first female president in mid-70s after her husbands death. Later Vigdis Finnbogadottir won Icelands election making her first elected female president (though Sirimavo Bandaranaike was actually first-ever elected female leader when she became Sri Lankas prime minister much earlier)
A 2023 study shows interesting facts: countries with women leaders tend to make better laws for gender equality. However its not always perfect – like Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh who lost power few months ago after long rule that had its dark sides
If Kamala Harris wins next election shed make history as first US female president; but Washington still has ways to go compared to many other nations
