Throughout human history, women have always influenced politics in varying degrees. From the queens of Europe to the current high ranking members of government all over the world, women are still continuing to break the glass ceiling of a male-dominated world. Increasingly more women are becoming involved in the global political system and earning very prestigious positions. There are currently several women who have become president of their country and many more who have become senators, governors and judges. The following list will introduce you to the top 10 Most Powerful Women Politicians.
10. Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner
This 60 year old widowed mother of two currently serves as the president of Argentina. She has a bachelor’s degree from the National University of La Plata. She is currently in the middle of serving her second term in office. She diligently works to resolve the current economic conflict that is occurring in Argentina.
9. Kathleen Sebelius
Kathleen Sebelius is currently serving as the secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. She is a 65 year old married mother of two and is originally from Topeka, Kansas. She has a bachelor’s degree from Trinity Washington University and a MBA from the University of Kansas. Her contributions to the debut of ObamaCare have been incomparable.
8. Nancy Pelosi
Mrs. Pelosi has had a very long career in politics. She currently serves as the Minority Leader in the United States House of Representatives. This 73 year old married mother of five children originally hails from San Francisco, California and has a bachelor’s degree from Trinity Washington University. She began her political career at the age of 47.
7. Geun-hye Park
Geun-hye Park is the first female to ever become president of South Korea. She is 61 years old, single and has no children. Park’s father also served as president before her. She is currently serving her second term and has earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Sogang University.
6. Sonia Gandhi
As a member of one of the most famous political families in the world, Sonia Gandhi proudly serves as president of the Indian National Congress. The 67 year oldwidowed mother of two began her political career in 1997.
5. Janet Napolitano
As a member of one of the most famous political families in the world, Sonia Gandhi proudly serves as president of the Indian National Congress. The 67 year old widowed mother of two began her political career in 1997.
4. Hillary Clinton
There are so many things that Hillary Clinton has accomplished in politics. The former first lady has also served as a Senator, Democratic presidential candidate and United States Secretary of State. Many believe that the 66 year old married mother of one will run for president of the United States again in 2016. She has a bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College and a Master of Laws degree from Yale University.
3. Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama is the current first lady of the United States. She is a 49 year old mother of two. She met her husband, Barack Obama, while attending Harvard University. She has a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Harvard. She makes use of her position to promote healthy eating to the American public and combat childhood obesity.
2. Dilma Rousseff
Dilma Rousseff is a 66 year old divorced mother of one who currently holds the presidential position in Brazil. This powerful woman is in the middle of her first presidential term. She has a bachelor’s degree from the Federal University. Brazil is the seventh largest economic power in the world.
1. Angela Merkel
As the current chancellor of Germany, 59 year old Angela Merkel is regarded as the most powerful female politician in the world. She is also the leader of the European Union and has significant influence on the economic performance of the euro as a monetary system. Merkel became chancellor in 2005 and was just re-elected in September of 2013 for a second term. She is the first woman to ever hold this position. The married Berlin resident has a master’s degree and doctorate from Leipzig University. Forbes Magazine has listed her as number one on their 10 Most Powerful Women Politicians list eight times over the last decade.
It is very plain to see that women are not allowing gender biases and discrimination stop them from entering and dominating the political arena. Thousands of women are diligently working in politics these days. Hopefully, they will also be one day regarded among the 10 Most Powerful Women Politicians.
