Women in politics have often had to overcome significant barriers, but through perseverance and leadership, they’ve changed the course of history. These trailblazing women have not only led nations but also influenced global policies, human rights movements, and the fight for gender equality. At Oxford Summer Courses, we study the remarkable achievements of women in politics, offering students an opportunity to explore the influence of politics on global history.

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Here are 15 women politicians who not only defied the odds but also shaped the course of politics worldwide.

1. Margaret Thatcher (1925–2013)

Margaret Thatcher, known as the "Iron Lady," was the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, serving from 1979 to 1990. Her tenure is remembered for her conservative policies, free-market economic reforms, and her leadership during the Falklands War.

Famous works:

• The Downing Street Years (1993) - An autobiography recounting her time in office.
• Statecraft: Strategies for a Changing World (2002) - A reflection on her views regarding global politics and foreign policy.
• Path to Power (1995) - A second volume of her memoirs that delves into her rise to political power.

Awards and Legacy:

• Thatcher was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by U.S. President George H.W. Bush in 1991. She also received the Order of Merit from Queen Elizabeth II in 1990. Her legacy remains a defining feature of British political history, known for her firm stance on free-market economics and her transformative domestic policies.

2. Angela Merkel (1954– )

Angela Merkel was the Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021 and became known for her pragmatic leadership and for guiding Germany through the Eurozone crisis and the global refugee crisis.

Famous works:

• Merkel’s leadership is characterised by her handling of the global financial crisis, her role in managing the European Union, and her open-door refugee policy during the 2015 migrant crisis.

Awards and Legacy:

• Merkel has been awarded numerous accolades, including the Charlemagne Prize (2008) for her work on European unity and the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2011). She also received the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (2010). Merkel is widely recognised as one of the most powerful women in global politics.

3. Indira Gandhi (1917–1984)

As the first female Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi served from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. She is known for her leadership during the Bangladesh Liberation War and her controversial Emergency period.

Famous works:

• Gandhi’s role in India’s Green Revolution helped boost agricultural production, transforming India’s economy. She also played a critical role in India’s nuclear programme.

Famous works:

• Indira Gandhi was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 1971. She also received the Lenin Peace Prize (1983). Despite her divisive policies, her contributions to Indian development and foreign policy continue to be significant.

4. Benazir Bhutto (1953–2007)

Benazir Bhutto became the first female Prime Minister of Pakistan and the first woman to head the government of a Muslim-majority country. Her leadership focused on economic reform, education, and women's rights, though her government was marred by political instability.

Famous works:

• Daughter of Destiny (1988) - Bhutto’s autobiography, which recounts her experiences in Pakistani politics.
• Reconciliation: Islam, Democracy, and the West (2008) - Published posthumously, this book explores the relationship between Islamic values and democratic governance.

Awards and Legacy:

• Bhutto was awarded the United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights in 2008 (posthumously). She also received numerous international peace and democracy awards during her lifetime, including the Bruno Kreisky Award for Human Rights (1988). Her tragic assassination left a lasting mark on Pakistani and global politics.

5. Golda Meir (1898–1978)

Golda Meir was Israel's first and only female Prime Minister, serving from 1969 to 1974. Known for her leadership during the Yom Kippur War, she was a key figure in the formation and early years of the Israeli state.

Famous works:

• My Life (1975) - An autobiography detailing Meir’s role in the foundation of Israel and her time as Prime Minister.

Awards and Legacy:

• Golda Meir was posthumously awarded the Israel Prize, one of the country’s highest honours. She is remembered as a symbol of Israel’s early resilience and for her strong leadership during one of the nation’s most challenging periods.

6. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (1938– )

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf became the first female head of state in Africa when she was elected President of Liberia in 2006. Her presidency focused on rebuilding Liberia after its civil war and promoting women’s rights.

Famous works:

• This Child Will Be Great (2009) - A memoir of her life and her rise to become Liberia’s first female president.

Awards and Legacy: Sirleaf was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her efforts to promote women's rights and peace-building in Liberia. She has also received numerous international honours, including the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership in 2018.

7. Aung San Suu Kyi (1945– )

Aung San Suu Kyi is a Burmese politician, democracy advocate, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Her non-violent struggle for democracy in Myanmar resulted in her long-term house arrest, but she eventually became the de facto leader of Myanmar.

Famous works:

• Letters from Burma (1997) - A collection of Suu Kyi’s reflections on her country and her fight for democracy.
• Freedom from Fear (1991) - An iconic essay collection outlining her views on democracy, human rights, and justice.

Awards and Legacy:

• Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991. She has also received the Congressional Gold Medal and the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. Despite recent controversies, her role in Myanmar's pro-democracy movement remains historically significant.

8. Shirley Chisholm (1924–2005)

Shirley Chisholm was the first African-American woman elected to the U.S. Congress and the first African-American woman to seek the nomination for U.S. president from a major political party in 1972.

Famous works:

• Unbought and Unbossed (1970) - Chisholm’s autobiography, where she details her political career and advocacy for civil rights.

Awards and Legacy:

• Chisholm was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. Her legacy as a pioneer for African-American and women’s rights in U.S. politics continues to inspire generations of activists and leaders.

9. Jacinda Ardern (1980– )

Jacinda Ardern served as the Prime Minister of New Zealand from 2017 to 2023. Her leadership during the Christchurch mosque shootings, the COVID-19 pandemic, and her focus on social justice and climate change earned her global recognition.

Famous works:

• Ardern’s approach to crisis management and progressive policies on climate change, child poverty, and mental health are seen as key parts of her political legacy.

Awards and Legacy:

• Ardern was named to Time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2019 and 2020. She is remembered for her compassionate leadership and progressive social policies.

10. Theresa May (1956– )

Theresa May was the second female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, serving from 2016 to 2019. She is best known for her leadership during the Brexit negotiations, although her time in office was marked by political divisions.

Famous works:

• May’s role in the Brexit process, particularly her negotiation of the Chequers Plan, remains one of the most defining aspects of her premiership.

Awards and Legacy:

• While May’s leadership was met with mixed reactions, her role as a woman navigating one of the UK’s most contentious political periods is a significant part of her legacy.

11. Ellen Wilkinson (1891–1947)

Ellen Wilkinson was a British Labour Party politician known for her work in education and for leading the 1936 Jarrow March against unemployment. She was a strong advocate for workers’ rights and social justice.

Famous works:

• The Town That Was Murdered (1939) - A book chronicling the hardships faced by the people of Jarrow during the Great Depression.
• As Minister of Education, she played a pivotal role in shaping post-war educational reforms in the UK.

Awards and Legacy:

• Wilkinson’s advocacy for education and workers’ rights has left a lasting legacy in British social history, with her contributions to the Labour movement still widely recognised today.

12. Michelle Bachelet (1951– )

Michelle Bachelet was the first female President of Chile, serving two non-consecutive terms (2006–2010 and 2014–2018). She also served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Famous works:

• Bachelet focused on improving education, healthcare, and pension systems in Chile, and legalised same-sex marriage during her presidency.

Awards and Legacy:

• Bachelet has received international recognition for her work in promoting human rights and women’s equality, including the United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights. Her leadership has been critical to advancing human rights in Chile and internationally.

13. Gro Harlem Brundtland (1939– )

Gro Harlem Brundtland is a former Prime Minister of Norway and a global leader in sustainable development. She also served as the Director-General of the World Health Organization.

Famous works:

• Our Common Future (1987) - A seminal report published by the Brundtland Commission, which became a cornerstone for modern environmental policy.

Awards and Legacy:

• Brundtland was awarded the Tang Prize in Sustainable Development in 2014. Her contributions to public health and environmental sustainability have had a lasting impact on global policies and practices.

14. Dilma Rousseff (1947– )

Dilma Rousseff was the first woman to serve as the President of Brazil. Her presidency was marked by social programmes aimed at reducing poverty, but it ended in impeachment due to political and economic turmoil.

Famous works:

• Rousseff implemented numerous social welfare programmes, including Bolsa Família and Brasil Sem Miséria (Brazil Without Poverty), which helped lift millions out of extreme poverty.

Awards and Legacy:

• Despite the controversy surrounding her impeachment, Rousseff’s policies had a lasting effect on Brazil’s social safety nets and her presidency remains an important chapter in Brazilian political history.

15. Ellen Gracie (1948– )

Ellen Gracie was the first female Chief Justice of the Supreme Federal Court of Brazil. She played a significant role in modernising Brazil’s judiciary and enhancing transparency in the legal system.

Famous works:

• Gracie’s leadership in Brazil’s judicial reforms, particularly her advocacy for the adoption of electronic court systems, revolutionised the country’s legal infrastructure.

Awards and Legacy:

• Gracie has received numerous awards for her judicial work, both domestically and internationally. She remains a significant figure in the push for transparency and judicial independence in Brazil.

How did the personal experiences and backgrounds of these famous women politicians influence their political careers?

The personal experiences and backgrounds of these women played a pivotal role in shaping their political ideologies and careers. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s experience living through civil war inspired her efforts to bring peace to Liberia, while Margaret Thatcher’s upbringing in a grocer’s family shaped her commitment to free-market policies. Similarly, Jacinda Ardern’s early experiences with social injustice informed her progressive agenda in New Zealand.

What challenges did these women politicians face during their careers, and how did they overcome them?

Many of these women politicians faced significant challenges, from gender discrimination to political opposition. Indira Gandhi faced fierce criticism for her centralisation of power during the Emergency, while Shirley Chisholm faced racial and gender barriers throughout her political career. Despite these challenges, these women persisted, breaking barriers and achieving political success that has inspired future generations.

How did the contributions of these women politicians impact broader social and political movements?

These women politicians played key roles in advancing gender equality, social justice, and human rights. Benazir Bhutto’s efforts to promote democracy in Pakistan, Gro Harlem Brundtland’s work on sustainable development, and Ellen Wilkinson’s fight for social justice in the UK all had lasting impacts on global political movements. Their contributions continue to shape political discourse and inspire future leaders.

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About the author

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