Honestly, if you look at a map of global leadership, it’s still mostly a "boys' club." But 2024 has been a bit of a weird, history-making year for women in power. We’ve seen a climate scientist take over one of the biggest economies in Latin America and a business maven step into a lighthouse-role in the North Atlantic. It's not just about diversity checkboxes. It’s about actual power shifts in places where "macho" culture used to be the only law of the land.
When we talk about female presidents in the world 2024, the list is shorter than you’d think, but the impact of those on it is massive.
The Big Shift in Mexico: Claudia Sheinbaum
You’ve probably heard her name by now. Claudia Sheinbaum. She didn't just win; she crushed it.
Winning with roughly 60% of the vote in a country like Mexico is basically unheard of. She’s a climate scientist by training, which is a total 180 from the usual career politicians we see. She officially took office in late 2024, inheriting a nation with a lot of baggage—think cartel violence and a complicated relationship with the U.S. border.
People were lining up for hours. One 87-year-old woman, Edelmira Montiel, told reporters it felt like a dream because she grew up in a time when women couldn't even vote, let alone lead. That’s the weight Sheinbaum carries. She’s not just a president; she’s a symbol that the "old way" of doing things in Mexico is cracking.
Iceland and the "Courage" Candidate
Then you’ve got Iceland. They’ve done this before—they had the world’s first democratically elected female president, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, back in the 80s. But in 2024, Halla Tómasdóttir stepped up.
📖 Related: Why Fox Has a Problem: The Identity Crisis at the Top of Cable News
She’s a business leader who previously ran the B Team, a global nonprofit. Her whole vibe is about "human-centric" leadership. She actually wrote a book called Hugrekki (Courage) before she won. She took office in August 2024, and her main thing is asking: how do we make a "hard world" a bit softer? She’s a big believer that Iceland can be a "lighthouse" for the rest of us.
The Full List: Who’s Actually in Charge?
Let’s be real—keeping track of who is a "President" versus a "Prime Minister" is confusing because every country’s constitution is a mess of different rules. In some places, the President is just a figurehead. In others, they run the whole show.
Here is the breakdown of women holding the title of President as we moved through 2024:
- Mexico: Claudia Sheinbaum (The first woman to lead Mexico, ever).
- Moldova: Maia Sandu (She just won a massive re-election in late 2024, fighting off heavy Russian interference).
- Tanzania: Samia Suluhu Hassan (She’s been in power since 2021, but 2024 was a huge year for her consolidating authority).
- Honduras: Xiomara Castro (The first female president here, too).
- India: Droupadi Murmu (She holds a largely ceremonial but deeply influential role).
- Malta: Myriam Spiteri Debono (Took office in April 2024).
- Dominica: Sylvanie Burton (The first indigenous Kalinago woman to hold the office).
- North Macedonia: Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova (Another 2024 newcomer, sworn in during May).
- Slovenia: Nataša Pirc Musar.
- Greece: Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
- Trinidad and Tobago: Christine Kangaloo.
- Marshall Islands: Hilda Heine (Returned to office in early 2024).
It’s a mix of newcomers and veterans. Some, like Zuzana Čaputová in Slovakia, actually finished their terms in 2024. She decided not to run again, citing the "relentless" personal attacks and death threats she faced. That’s the dark side of this that doesn't get enough play in the news.
Why 2024 Felt Different
Basically, the 2024 elections weren't just about "woman vs. man." In Moldova, it was about "West vs. East." Maia Sandu’s win was a nail-biter. She was up against Alexandr Stoianoglo, who was seen as the pro-Russia candidate.
👉 See also: The CIA Stars on the Wall: What the Memorial Really Represents
Sandu ended up winning with about 55% of the vote. It was a huge relief for the European Union, but it showed how polarized things are. When we look at female presidents in the world 2024, we have to look at the "why." They aren't just there because of their gender; they are holding the line on massive geopolitical shifts.
In Peru, Dina Boluarte has had a much rougher time. She’s the first female president there, but her popularity hit historic lows—like, 2% levels of low. It’s a reminder that gender doesn't automatically mean "popular" or "successful." Leadership is still about the results you deliver.
The Moving Target of Power
It's sorta interesting to see how these women get to the top.
Many of them, like Myriam Spiteri Debono in Malta, were career lawyers or notaries. Others, like Namibia’s Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (who was a major player in the 2024 election cycle there), come from long histories of independence movements.
The path isn't a straight line.
✨ Don't miss: Passive Resistance Explained: Why It Is Way More Than Just Standing Still
One thing that sticks out is the "first" factor. We are still seeing "firsts" in 2024. Mexico, North Macedonia, and Dominica all saw their first-ever female presidents this year. It feels late, doesn't it? But it's happening.
What to watch for next
If you want to keep an eye on how this evolves, don't just look at the names. Look at the systems.
- Watch the mid-term stability: In countries like Honduras and Peru, the internal friction is high.
- The "Science" Approach: See if Sheinbaum’s background as a scientist actually changes how Mexico handles the climate crisis compared to her predecessor.
- Election Cycles: Several more countries are heading to the polls soon. The "wave" of 2024 might just be a ripple compared to what's coming.
To really stay informed, you should follow the Council of Women World Leaders. They track these shifts in real-time. You can also dive into the UN Women "Women in Politics" map, though it usually lags by a few months.
The best way to support this shift? Look at the local level. Most of these presidents started as mayors, lawyers, or activists. The global stage is just the final act.
Next Steps for You:
- Check the Constitution: If you’re curious about a specific leader, look up if their country is a Parliamentary or Presidential republic. It tells you if they actually have the "power of the pen" or if they are mostly symbolic.
- Track the "Firsts": Keep a list of countries that have never had a female head of state. You'll be surprised how many are left.
- Follow the Policy: Don't just celebrate the election win. Set a Google Alert for names like Claudia Sheinbaum or Maia Sandu to see if their policies actually match their campaign promises over the next six months.