Top 10 Female Political Leaders of Today (2025 Edition)

When Steve Harvey asked Zozibini Tunzi, the 2019 Miss Universe what the most important thing that young girls must be taught today was, she replied, “Leadership”. Fast forward to 2025, and we see that her words still hold true. Despite centuries of struggle against patriarchal systems, women have continued to rise, lead, and inspire. Today, they are presidents, prime ministers, economic decision-makers, and changemakers across the globe.

It would be virtually impossible to recognize every single woman leader among the numerous women leaders around the world in one article. Therefore, we shall be shining our light on 10 of the most influential female political leaders in the world today; women who continue to shape our world through strength, vision, and resilience.

Top 10 Female Political Leaders 2025

1. Giorgia Meloni – Prime Minister of Italy

Giorgia Meloni made history in 2022 when she became the first female Prime Minister of Italy. She is the leader of the Brothers of Italy party and the first woman to ever hold the country’s highest political office. Her win marked a major moment in European politics and made headlines around the world.

Meloni’s political career began early. She was elected to the Italian Chamber of Deputies at just 29 years old and later served as Minister of Youth. Over the years, she built a strong image as a passionate and determined leader. Her views are often described as far-right, especially on topics like immigration and national identity, but she remains popular with many voters who admire her strong stance and direct way of speaking.

Born in Rome in 1977, Meloni was raised by a single mother and has often spoken about how her upbringing shaped her beliefs. Today, she is one of the most talked-about political figures in Europe. Whether praised or criticized, she is undeniably powerful, and as Italy’s first woman in the role, she is changing how people see leadership in her country and beyond.

2. Kaja Kallas – Prime Minister of Estonia

Kaja Kallas became the Prime Minister of Estonia in 2021, making her the first woman to hold the position in her country. Since then, she has become one of Europe’s most respected leaders, especially in areas like digital innovation and national security. Even though Estonia is a small country, Kallas has shown that strong leadership can make a big impact on the world stage.

Before entering politics, Kallas worked as a lawyer and a member of the European Parliament. She has always been passionate about technology and how it can improve people’s lives. As Prime Minister, she has focused on cybersecurity, digital services, and keeping Estonia safe in a fast-changing world. She is also a strong supporter of Ukraine and has spoken out often against Russian aggression.

Born in 1977 in Tallinn, Kallas comes from a political family; her father, Siim Kallas, also served as Prime Minister of Estonia. But she has made her own name through her thoughtful and forward-looking leadership. She is known for mixing tough foreign policy with compassion and care for her people. Kaja Kallas continues to prove that modern leadership can be smart, strong, and deeply human.

3. Mia Mottley – Prime Minister of Barbados

Mia Mottley is a force to be reckoned with. As Prime Minister of Barbados, she led her country into a new chapter in 2021, when Barbados officially became a republic and broke free from the British monarchy. But Mottley didn’t just stop there, she’s been pushing hard for global change, especially when it comes to climate action.

Mottley is a passionate advocate for small island nations facing the dire effects of climate change. Her powerful speeches at the United Nations and COP summits have made her a leading voice on the global stage. She speaks with fire, determination, and a sense of urgency, making sure the world knows that the climate crisis cannot be ignored, especially by the nations most affected.

Born in 1965 in Barbados, Mia’s journey into politics was built on a foundation of service and leadership. She’s known for her unwavering focus on the future of her country and the planet, and she’s earned a reputation as one of the most respected leaders in the world today. In 2025, Mia is still making waves, using her position to advocate for both her people and the environment. Talk about a woman changing the world!

4. Sanna Marin – Former Prime Minister of Finland

Sanna Marin became the world’s youngest serving Prime Minister in 2019, just 34 years old! She led Finland with confidence, calm, and a fresh new energy that quickly made her a global icon.

Sanna’s journey into politics was shaped by her working-class background. She was raised by her mother and her mother’s female partner in a modest home, and often speaks openly about growing up in a “rainbow family.” She was the first in her family to go to university, and she studied administrative science before jumping into politics in her early 20s.

Her political career took off fast. By 2015, she was elected to the Finnish Parliament. Just four years later, she found herself leading an all-female coalition government, and people around the world took notice. Sanna became known for her strong views on climate action, social equality, and workers’ rights. She was also praised for her calm and science-driven response to the COVID-19 pandemic. And let’s not forget, she did all of this while balancing life as a young mother!

Even though she stepped down in 2023, Sanna didn’t slow down. She now works with major international think tanks and global organizations, advising on policy and mentoring the next generation of women leaders. People still admire her for being open, modern, and unapologetically real. For many, she remains a symbol of what smart, empathetic, and fearless leadership looks like. A true trailblazer!

5. Sheikh Hasina – Prime Minister of Bangladesh

Sheikh Hasina is one of the longest-serving female leaders in the world, and she’s still going strong in 2025 as Prime Minister of Bangladesh. First taking office in 1996, she’s led the country through decades of change, proving that experience and determination can go a long way in politics.

As a result of the political turmoil that surrounded her life because of the political affiliations of her family, Sheikh lived in refuge with her grandmother. On the 15th of August, 1975, her father and her family were assassinated. Only she and her sister survived the attack because they were both in West Germany.

Hasina was the President of the Bangladesh opposition party – The Awami League. Her party’s major preoccupation was to restore a democratically elected government as opposed to the autocratic government led by General Ershad. This was later achieved in 1981.

Before the eventual victories, Hasani had suffered a lot of setbacks. After the bloody assassination of her father, mother and three brothers in their family home, Hasani went on a six-year exile. She was placed on several house arrest because of her advocacy for democracy after her exile.

This did not deter her in her struggle for democracy and the security of basic human rights. She is currently the 29th on Forbes Power Women list.

6. Jacinda Ardern – Former Prime Minister of New Zealand

Jacinda Ardern, at age 37, became New Zealand’s youngest Prime Minister in more than 150 years!

Jacinda was inspired to enter politics because of her background. She grew up in a community where ‘children without shoes on their feet or anything to eat for lunch’ roamed the streets and she wanted to change that.

She started her career as a researcher in the office of Helen Clark, the Prime Minister in 2001. In 2005, Ardern worked in the United Kingdom as a policy advisor to the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair.

Much of Jacinda’s political success is as a result of “her ability to communicate with people and talk in an open and honest way that [didn’t] sound like a traditional politician.” People loved and respected her authenticity. In no time, she became a country favorite. Some people have even referred to her effect on people as the ‘Jacindamania’.

During her two year reign, she has managed to ban military-style semi-automatics, planting of 140 million trees for climate change, the extension of paid parental leave, leading the call for the removal of terrorist material online, reducing the prison population, making the highways safer, created 92,000 jobs, built more than 2,200 state houses, banned offshore speculators, increased the minimum wage, brought unemployment to the lowest rate in eleven years, and many more amazing things. A superwoman!

7. Tsai Ing-wen – President of Taiwan

President Tsai Ing-wen has proven time and again that leadership isn’t just about power, it’s about resilience. As Taiwan’s first female president, Tsai has stood strong at the forefront of the country’s defense of democracy. Now serving her second term, she’s been laser-focused on boosting Taiwan’s economy, enhancing defense capabilities, and strengthening global partnerships.

Tsai’s leadership has been tested in some of the most challenging times, especially with growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. But she’s handled it all with calm determination and a fierce commitment to Taiwan’s sovereignty. Her diplomatic approach has made her a key figure in global politics, especially when it comes to international relations with major powers like the U.S. and China.

Born in 1956, Tsai’s journey into politics wasn’t easy, but her intellect, strong values, and unwavering dedication have made her one of the most respected leaders in Asia.

In 2020, she received the International Pioneer Award from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) for her exceptional international leadership and commitment to free markets. The following year, the National Endowment for Democracy honored her with the Democracy Service Medal, recognizing her dedication to advancing democracy and human rights globally. Additionally, in 2023, the Hudson Institute presented Tsai with the Global Leadership Award, acknowledging her steadfast defense of democratic values and regional stability.

As Taiwan continues to assert its role on the world stage, Tsai Ing-wen remains a symbol of democratic leadership in a complex and changing world.

8. Ursula von der Leyen – President of the European Commission

Ursula von der Leyen made history as the first woman to ever hold the position of President of the European Commission. In 2025, she’s still leading the way, shaping the future of the European Union with vision and strength.

Before becoming the EU’s top leader, von der Leyen had a career full of impressive milestones. She’s served as Germany’s Minister of Defense, Minister of Labor, and Minister for Family Affairs. But it was her leadership during the COVID-19 recovery and her bold Green Deal ambitions that really put her on the global map. She’s been a key player in driving the EU toward sustainability, digital innovation, and economic stability.

Von der Leyen’s leadership isn’t just about making big moves, it’s about making them with purpose. Known for her calm yet strong decision-making, she has positioned herself as a true EU matriarch. Is it pushing for a green future? Or navigating complex international issues? Ursula von der Leyen’s impact is undeniable. In fact, she was named one of Forbes’ most powerful women in the world for several years in a row, and it’s clear why!

9. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala – Director-General, World Trade Organization

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is not your typical politician, but make no mistake, she wields an incredible amount of global influence. Since becoming the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2021, she made history as the first African and the first woman to hold this prestigious position. And she’s been shaking things up ever since.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala has spent her career fighting to make global trade fairer, especially for developing economies. As the former Finance Minister of Nigeria, she understands the challenges faced by many nations, and she’s been working tirelessly to reshape global trade rules to make sure they benefit everyone, not just the powerful few. She’s also a strong advocate for empowering women in trade and business, and her leadership continues to inspire on the world stage.

Born in 1954 in Nigeria, Okonjo-Iweala’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary. With years of experience at the World Bank and as a top policymaker in her home country, she’s a force for change. Whether she’s advocating for a more inclusive global economy or representing Africa’s voice on international platforms, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is an unstoppable leader making history with every step.

10. Kamala Harris – Vice President of the United States

Kamala Harris made history in 2021 when she became the first female, Black, and South Asian Vice President of the United States. Her election was a groundbreaking moment, and since taking office, she’s been making waves in U.S. politics with passion and purpose.

As Vice President, Harris has been a powerful voice for change, focusing on key issues like voting rights, gun control reform, and economic justice. She’s not afraid to tackle tough challenges, and her work has made her a key figure in shaping the future of the country. Her leadership continues to inspire many, particularly as she stands as a role model for women and people of color.

Born in 1964 to Indian and Jamaican parents, Harris has always been proud of her diverse heritage, and her unique background has helped shape her perspective as a leader. As the 2024 U.S. elections have come and gone, speculation continues about whether Harris will take the next step and run for president herself in the future. No matter what lies ahead, Kamala Harris has already made her mark on history.

Final Thoughts

In a world hinged on the wheels of patriarchy and misogyny, women sitting at the helm of affairs is almost unrealistic but these women did it! And they are doing a fantastic job at it. Leading some of the greatest economies in the world is not an easy feat but these women have proven that you can actually do it all.

In 2025, these incredible women are leading the way and making a huge impact on the world. They are breaking barriers and changing the way we think about leadership. They show that leadership is about vision, strength, and determination, no matter your gender.

So please go ahead and tell us: Who is your favourite woman leader? Why? Personally mine is Ngozi Okonjo. The woman never ceases to amaze me. Finally ladies, remember, YOU CAN DO IT ALL!!!

A quote from Jacinda for you:

I think we should judge people by their actions, not their labels. I hope that’s the lesson we can teach our children, that you should treat people with respect and dignity, regardless of where they come from or who they are.

~Jacinda Ardern