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Female Heads of State

Oluniyi D. Ajao

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· Updated 3 March 2020

Women rights activists must be grinning from ear-to-ear right now. In the past few weeks, a new wave seems to be spreading through the world’s political landscape as more women take up leading roles.

Today, a new head of state is being sworn into office, in the west African nation of Liberia. She happens to be Africa’s first female democratically-elected President. I’m talking about Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.

Just yesterday, the people of Chile voted-in their first female President – Michelle Bachelet
The atmosphere in Chile right now is simply exciting.

Not too long ago, Angela Merkel, leader of the Christian Democrats (CDU), was sworn in as Germany’s first woman chancellor at a ceremony in the country’s parliament.

Deputy President Phumzile
In South Africa, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is the Deputy President.

In Nigeria, the Finance Minister is female.

There are more women in leading roles, in Africa, and globally.

Now that we have more of them, my fingers are crossed as I wait to see them leaving indellible marks in the sands of time.

I can’t wait to see the comments of Sokari Ekine and Ore, both female rights activists and bloggers. 🙂

Oluniyi D. Ajao Avatar
Oluniyi D. Ajao
Oluniyi D. Ajao is an Internet Entrepreneur and Tech Enthusiast. Follow him on X (fka Twitter) @niyyie for more tech updates.

Comments

  1. …My heart’s in Accra » Monday Africa Roundup

    […] – Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s inauguration is a cause for celebration. A few weeks ago, it looked like George Weah might try to prevent the Iron Grandmother from taking power – a mediated sit-down seems to have smoothed things over. ($5 says Weah is named Minister of Youth and Sport. Any takers?) Imnakoya’s got pictures of the US delegation – Condi Rice and Laura Bush – as well as links to other posts on the topic. David Ajao has a great post celebrating women in politics, connecting Johnson-Sirleaf to Chile’s new president, Michelle Bachelet, and other female leaders. Mental Acrobatics is on the case, pointing out that Tanzania’s new president, Jakaya Kikwete, has appointed women to two key ministerial posts. And, as she so often does, Sokari’s got the big picture over at “Black Looks”, talking about the enormity of the challenge Johnson-Sirleaf faces. […]

    Reply
  2. imnakoya Avatar
    imnakoya

    Nively done David, and I apologize for my oversight at Grandiose Parlor.

    Reply
  3. Ore Avatar
    Ore

    It was indeed a monumental day for women the world over. I felt very proud. I also enjoyed reading your write-up, David.

    Reply
  4. Sokari Avatar
    Sokari

    David – The past few months have seen amazing strides by women across the globe and I am sure there is more to come judging from those waiting in the wings (see my post). I know we are all very excited about Mrs Sirleaf-Johnson’s election as President. However what concerns me is she faces many hard challenges ahead and though I believe her to be up to the task and a very strong woman,we should all be aware that it is going to be very difficult.

    Reply
  5. Oluniyi David Ajao Avatar
    Oluniyi David Ajao

    @ Sokari. The challenges facing Madam Ellen are many and hard, indeed. With the co-operation of other Liberians, she should be able to sail through, and leave a mark.

    She did the smart thing by bringing some of those who opposed her, on board.

    As for “…and I am sure there is more to come judging from those waiting in the wings…“, I can only smile, 🙂 and wait to see your prediction unfold.

    Cheers!

    Reply

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