My Personal Top 6 Female World Leaders – to celebrate Women’s History Month
The excellent Mother Nature Network (MNN) ran an article on female world leaders this month – March is Women’s History Month.
It got me thinking. You see, globally, more women than men are working to protect the environment by their daily actions. Women also produce more of the world’s food. But women didn’t (and don’t) always have a lot of power.
So here’s my tribute to women who rose to a position of political power – and didn’t abuse it.
(Of course, there have been wonderful women throughout history – but this list focuses on women Leaders).
I hope you enjoy this list of women who guided and shaped their nations with courage and intelligence.
And by the way, this list focuses on women leaders who are NOT particularly well-known today, which I think makes it all the more interesting.
Female World Leaders #1 – Hatshepsut
Before Cleopatra, Egypt was ruled by Hatshepsut who is still regarded as one of the greatest Egyptian pharaohs of all time. She established trade networks that helped to build Egypt’s wealth, funded exhibitions that brought new goods and services to her lands and commissioned hundreds of construction projects throughout the country. Her reign was peaceful and one of prosperity for the Egyptian people.
Female World Leaders #2 – Queen Elizabeth I
Queen Elizabeth I, the child of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, was declared illegitimate when Henry had Boleyn executed in 1536. Elizabeth thus had to fight just to stay out of prison, let alone rise to power and claim her spot on the throne. But once there, she stayed there and her 44-year-rule of England helped bring stability to the nation in a time of turmoil.
Female World Leaders #3 – The Empress Dowager Cixi
Cixi’s son became China’s emperor at just 5 years old, so she ruled in his stead, and installed her nephew in his place when her son died. Despite being simply a concubine in the harem, she effectively ruled China for 50 years. She helped to modernize China, and I’ve included her in my list of favourites because she was also responsible for outlawing the cruel practice of foot-binding.
Female World Leaders #4 – Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria ruled Great Britain for an impressive 63 years. What became known as the Victorian Era was marked by industrial, cultural, political, military and scientific growth.
Female World Leaders #5 – Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
When Ellen Johnson Sirleaf took office as Liberia’s president in 2005, she became the world’s first elected black female president and Africa’s first elected female head of state. She wanted to end the political corruption and civil war that plagued her country. In 2011, she was one of the winners of the Nobel Peace Prize for her work on womens’ rights in Africa.
Female World Leaders #6 – Benazir Bhutto
Benazir Bhutto was Prime Minister of Pakistan and the first woman to head a Muslim state. She ended military dictatorship in her country and fought for womens’ rights.
All these women succeeded where many have failed.
And to end, here’s a great quote that really made me think:
Who would you add to this list? Do you disagree with any of my choices? Let me know in the comments below. And please Share this interesting list (buttons below and right).
Warm regards,
