20 Countries With Inspiring Women-Led Societies

Norway is another example of a society where gender equality is embedded in its culture. With one of the highest percentages of women in the workforce and political leadership, Norway has created a supportive environment for women to thrive. Gender quotas in parliament, free education, and strong anti-discrimination laws have made Norway a beacon of gender equality and empowerment.

Bangladesh has long been a leader in the empowerment of women in South Asia. Women like Sheikh Hasina, the country’s current Prime Minister, have been central to political and economic reforms. Bangladesh has made strides in female education, reducing maternal mortality, and increasing women’s participation in the workforce. The rise of women in business and entrepreneurship in Bangladesh is also noteworthy.

Chile has made significant strides in advancing women’s rights, particularly in the wake of mass protests and movements like “Ni Una Menos” (Not One Less), which seeks to end femicide and gender violence. Women in Chile have held powerful positions, such as Michelle Bachelet, who served as the country’s president twice. Chile’s policies now focus on gender equality, women’s health, and the right to work without discrimination.

Portugal’s commitment to gender equality is reflected in its policies, which include parental leave and programs aimed at closing the gender pay gap. Women hold significant roles in politics, with a growing number in leadership positions, including the presidency of the Portuguese parliament. Portugal is also known for its active women’s movements, particularly those focused on reproductive rights and domestic violence prevention.

Tunisia is one of the few Arab countries to have made significant advances in women’s rights. The country has progressive laws on women’s rights, including gender equality in inheritance, marriage, and divorce. Women have been highly active in Tunisia’s political life, with several holding key government positions. The country’s feminist movements have also been vocal in pushing for the rights of marginalized women, including those in rural areas.

Nepal has been making remarkable progress in empowering women, particularly through political representation. The country’s 2015 constitution enshrined gender equality and has facilitated the rise of women in leadership roles. Women like Bidhya Devi Bhandari, Nepal’s first female president, and women leaders in the civil society sector have been working tirelessly to improve women’s access to education, healthcare, and legal rights.

Kenya is a country where women’s activism and leadership have significantly influenced national policies and social structures. Women in Kenya are involved in business, politics, and social justice movements, with figures like former Member of Parliament, Charity Ngilu, making notable strides in leadership. Kenyan women have also been at the forefront of advocacy for better healthcare, education, and gender-based violence prevention programs.

Sri Lanka holds a special place in history as the first country in the world to elect a female head of government, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, in 1960. Since then, women in Sri Lanka have continued to play a major role in the country’s political and social life. Female leaders like Chandrika Kumaratunga and current politicians continue to break barriers in the pursuit of gender equality, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, and women’s rights.

South Africa has made significant strides in empowering women, particularly in politics. The country elected its first female deputy president, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, and has had numerous women in key positions of leadership since the end of apartheid. South African women are increasingly active in business, activism, and governance, and have been instrumental in addressing issues like HIV/AIDS, gender violence, and economic inequality.

In recent years, Mexico has seen a surge of women’s political and social activism, with women pushing for gender equality in the face of deeply rooted machismo culture. In 2018, Claudia Sheinbaum was elected as the first female mayor of Mexico City, the country’s capital. Mexican women have been at the forefront of the country’s feminist movements, advocating for legal reforms around reproductive rights, domestic violence, and femicide prevention.

Germany’s Chancellor, Angela Merkel, served as the country’s leader for 16 years, making her one of the longest-serving female heads of government in the world. Her pragmatic and steady leadership has been admired internationally, particularly in Europe. Merkel’s leadership has been marked by policies focused on social welfare, migration, and environmental sustainability, all of which have had a significant impact on women’s rights in Germany and beyond.

Colombia has seen significant advances in gender equality, thanks to the leadership of women in politics, activism, and social movements. In 2018, Colombia elected its first female vice president, Marta Lucía Ramírez, a symbol of women’s growing influence in national politics. Colombian women have been instrumental in fighting for peace and justice in the wake of decades of conflict, and the country has implemented progressive policies to address gender-based violence.

Botswana is a shining example of female leadership in Africa. In 2019, the country appointed its first female vice president, Slumber Tsogwane, further cementing its commitment to gender equality. Women in Botswana play vital roles in economic development, particularly in agriculture and entrepreneurship. The country has also made significant strides in improving women’s access to education and healthcare, contributing to overall social progress.

Canada has made significant strides toward gender equality, particularly in its political landscape. In 2015, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed a gender-balanced cabinet, ensuring equal representation for men and women in decision-making. Canada is also known for its progressive policies on parental leave, gender-based violence prevention, and women’s access to healthcare and education. Women in Canada are leading movements for racial equality, environmental justice, and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

Sweden is renowned for its commitment to gender equality in all sectors of society. The country has led the way in offering robust parental leave, equal pay initiatives, and strong support for women in leadership roles. Swedish women have achieved significant progress in politics, business, and education, and the nation is known for its active feminist movements. Sweden also promotes international efforts for women’s rights and is a major donor to global women’s empowerment initiatives.

Norway has been a trailblazer in promoting gender equality. In addition to being one of the first countries to establish a gender quota for political representation, it is home to prominent women leaders like Erna Solberg, who served as Prime Minister from 2013 to 2021. The country’s policies around parental leave, women’s participation in the workforce, and access to education have empowered women and created a more equitable society.

Finland is home to one of the most progressive governments in the world, led by a coalition of female politicians. In 2019, Finland elected Sanna Marin as the world’s youngest serving prime minister at 34 years old. Her leadership, combined with the efforts of other women in Finland’s political sphere, has created a society where policies around education, health, and social welfare are designed with gender equality in mind. Finland consistently ranks high in global gender equality indices.

Rwanda has one of the highest percentages of women in parliament in the world, with women holding 61% of the seats in the country’s national legislature. This is the result of a deliberate push for gender equality following the 1994 genocide, which left the country in a state of devastation. Women have been instrumental in the rebuilding of Rwanda, particularly in sectors like healthcare, education, and the economy. The country’s commitment to female empowerment has earned it global recognition as a model for gender-inclusive governance.

New Zealand made history when it became the first country to grant women the right to vote in 1893. In recent decades, it has continued to lead with inspiring female political figures, most notably Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who gained international praise for her leadership during crises like the Christchurch mosque shooting and the COVID-19 pandemic. New Zealand has a progressive approach to women’s rights, with policies that support women in leadership and combat gender-based violence.

Iceland is often regarded as one of the most gender-equal societies in the world. The country was the first to elect a female president, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, in 1980, and has consistently ranked at the top of the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Index. Women hold prominent positions in politics, business, and academia, and Iceland has a strong tradition of women’s activism for equal rights. The country passed a landmark law in 2018 requiring companies to prove they pay men and women equally.