CHOICE OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC TITLE 2015 Do women national leaders represent a breakthrough for the women’s movement, or is women’s leadership weaker than the numbers imply? This unique book, written by an experienced politician and academic, is the first to provide a comprehensive overview of how and why women in 53 countries rose to the top in the years since World War II. Packed with fascinating case studies detailing the rise to power of all 73 female presidents and prime ministers from around the world, from 1960 (when the first was elected) to 2010, the motives, achievements and life stories of the female top leaders, including findings from interviews carried out by the author, provide a nuanced picture of women in power. The book will have wide international appeal to students, academics, government officials, women’s rights activists and political activists, as well as anyone interested in international affairs, politics, social issues, gender and equality.

At a time when a woman--Angela Merkel--is arguably the most powerful leader in Europe and another--Hilary Clinton--continues to be at the center of the US political stage, it seems that women have broken through the glass ceiling and begun to populate the highest offices of the political world. Women of Power is a testament to that accomplishment, offering the most comprehensive overview of female presidents and prime ministers to date. Looking at over fifty countries and over seventy women leaders since 1960, Torild Skard--herself an experienced politician--examines how and why these women rose to the top and what their leadership has meant for women's empowerment throughout the latter half of the twentieth century. Skard examines the achievements and life stories of the world's female leaders up to the current era. She offers nuanced portraits that draw on a number of materials, including many interviews that she conducted herself. All of the women discussed are organized by both chronology and geography, and Skard includes a number of helpful chapters that provide an overview and assessment of how different women leaders have come to power in different regions. Overall the book provides a fascinating account of women's empowerment as it has manifested itself at the very top of the political hierarchy.

Women Presidents, Prime Ministers and Leaders 2017 features current, recent and historical 20th Century female Heads of State. These 100+ inspiring women have broken glass ceilings as Presidents and Prime Ministers.in their countries. They come from all backgrounds and have unique stories to tell in these brief one to three page short biographies.

Women have come from a variety of backgrounds to lead their respective nations. They have been accountants, artists, activists, biologists, chemists, educators,economists, engineers, dancers, flight attendants, soccer moms and even guerilla fighters. They have come from every continent in the world, but, surprisingly, none have led the United States, Russia or China. Why is it taking so long for women to break the ultimate glass ceilings in these powerful nations? What do women do differently when they are in charge? And how are they treated. Educator and human rights activist Richard O'Brien takes a good look at the struggle and influence of the 108 women who have led recently led nations and the barriers to their success.