Who Was the First Woman Ruler to...?
Did you know that only about 35 percent of the world’s countries have had female rulers? Take a guess at these female leader firsts.
...head an African country?
Bucking the corruption of a military dictatorship, she withstood imprisonment and exile. After she was elected president of Liberia and took office on 2006, she led efforts to rebuild following a devastating civil war.
...become Germany’s longest-serving chancellor?
As chancellor (2005–2021) of the EU’s largest economy, she was known worldwide for her pragmatic navigation through a number of international crises.
...restore democracy to the Philippines?
She became the first female president of the Philippines in 1986 after a contentious election. Her inauguration marked the end of the long dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.
...win a popular election in South America?
She served as president of Chile twice, in 2006–10 and 2014–18, after popular election. She now serves as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. While Isabel Perón (1974–76) was the continent’s first female president, she replaced her husband upon his death and was not elected to the office.
Want to learn more about female leaders?
Check out our 100 Women website.
Long May She Reign
Today marks the start of festivities for Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, which commemorates her 70 years of service. England’s longest-reigning monarch, she has become an enduring symbol of stability and resilience and is widely considered the country’s most popular royal. To celebrate Elizabeth’s remarkable milestone, we take a closer look at the British throne.
What British Monarch Had the Shortest Reign? (It’s Measured in Days)
article / Politics, Law & Government
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
The First King of England?
article / Politics, Law & Government
Courtesy of the Master and Fellows of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge; photograph, The Conway Library, Courtauld Institute Galleries, London
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