No matter what side you're on this election season, there's probably something we can all agree on: it would be nice to see a woman reach America's highest office. Ever since George Washington took office in 1789, the presidency has remained a boys club. We're still hopeful, though, that a female US president is in our near future, thanks in big part to all the women world leaders who've led the way. These female heads of state and government, who've been elected in recent years in countries like Germany, Jamaica, Australia, Thailand, and Argentina, are paving the road for America. If those countries can do it, why can't we? Learn more about the women ruling the world now.
Angela Merkel, Germany
Country: Germany
Position: Chancellor
Claim to Fame: A former chemist, Angela is the first female chancellor of Germany and was elected in 2005. Two years later she became only the second woman (after Margaret Thatcher) to become the president of the European Council and chair the G8. Last year Forbes ranked Angela as the world's most powerful woman and called her "the de facto leader of the European Union."
Julia Gillard, Australia
Country: Australia
Position: Prime Minister
Claim to Fame: In 2010, Julia became the first female prime minister of Australia. Born in Wales, she's only the country's second foreign-born prime minister. She's also not afraid to buck tradition, asJulia famously didn't curtsey the queen, has a hairstylist boyfriend, and has stated that not having children has helped her succeed.
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, Argentina
Country: Argentina
Position: President
Claim to Fame: Taking office in 2007, former first lady Cristina is Argentina's first elected female president, second female president ever to serve, and first woman ever reelected. She's an advocate for human rights, poverty awareness, and health. Cristina's also a fashion icon in her country, although since her husband — former president Néstor Kirchner — died in 2010, Cristina has only worn black.
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