From world superpowers to international bodies, women are occupying the plum positions and are calling the shots.
Theresa May’s coming to power as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom has opened my eyes to the many women who have already climbed to the top.
German Chancellor, Angela Merkel is arguably one of the most influential world leaders. The future of Europe cannot be decided without her input. She is currently leading one of the most vibrant economies in Europe.
Hilary Rodham Clinton is the super qualified and de-facto President of the United States of America, the world’s most powerful nation. It is just a matter of time and America will again make history.
From Yale University with sterling intellectual acumens to a reputable First Lady and later US Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton is more than ready. No one doubts who the next occupant of the White House will be.
Africa’s Fatou Bensouda, a Gambian lawyer is heading the International Criminal Court as Chief Prosecutor, a body that is giving tyrants and renegade former leaders sleepless nights. Bensouda is a no nonsense woman who has sworn to see justice done.
We have not lost sight of the fact that a woman, Senegalese born Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura is Secretary General of the World Governing Body, FIFA. It is a rare move by one of the richest and most powerful bodies on earth to have a woman as its Scribe.
French born Christine Lagarde took over the IMF after her compatriot Dominique Strauss-Kahn fell from grace due to his failure to manage his libidinal excesses. Largarde practically controls the world economy today.
Former Nigerian Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was a step short of becoming World Bank President when she lost to US favourite Jim Yong Kim. She led the financial power house as Managing Director for four years (2007-2011).
Her contributions certainly propelled Nigeria to the position of number one economy in Africa. By her credentials she qualifies to be President of Nigeria.
Ellen Sirleaf Johnson cannot be omitted from the list of powerful women calling the shots in Africa. Even though she was backed against the popular George Opong Weah, she has proven her mettle as a leader in a country beset by problems of all sorts.
In spite of her scandal and current investigations against her, Dilma Rousseff has led Brazil as the 37th President in that country in her own rights. She might still come clean at the end of investigations regarding the financial scandal rocking the country.
The next big one is the candidate to replace Ban ki Moon as Secretary General of the United Nations. Argentine’s Susana Malcorra is already positioning herself as a likely successor. It is possible.
From every angle and every continent, women have climbed to the top. Who would have thought of these 10 years ago? While we are still arguing whether it is possible for women to lead, they have taken over the world faster than anyone ever imagined. This is a big booster to all our girls.
