Worldwide Guide to Women in Leadership

WOMEN IN POWER 
from 2000

Female leaders
and women in other positions of political authority
of independent states and
self-governing understate entities

2000- President Tarja Halonen, Finland 
Member of Parliament 1979-2000, 1984-87 Chairperson of the Social Affairs Committee and Member of the Presidium of the Parliament,  1987-1990 Second Minister of Health and Social Affairs (Health Minister) and 1989-1991 Minister of Nordic Co-operation, 1989-91 Co-leader of Soumen Sosialidemokraattinen Pulolue, The Social Democrats. 1990-1991 Minister of Justice and 1995-2000 Minister of Foreign Affairs. In August 2000 she married her partner trough a decade, Pentti Arajärvi. They did not live together before they moved into the Presidential palace. Mother of one daughter. (b. 1943-). 
2000 Capitano Reggente Maria Domenica Michelotti, San Marino 
Former lecturer at San Marino University and Member of the Consiglio Grande e Generale since 1998.  She is widow and her married name was Casadei Michelotti. Mother of two girls (b. 1952-).
2000-08 Vice-President Annette Lü Hsin-lien, Taiwan
Political prisoner 1979-85, on parole 1985-90, Member of the Legislative Yuan 1992, Counsellor of the President 1996, County Magistrate in Taoyan County 1997-2000 and Acting Chairperson of the Democratic Progressive Party 2005-06. Failed to become the party's presidential candidate in 2007. Unmarried. (b. 1944-).
2000-04 Vice-President Dr. Milagros Ortiz Bosch, Dominican Republic
Deputy Head of State and Government and Secretary of State of Education. In 1963 and 1965 she was Assistant of her relative, President Bosch, imprisoned 1963 and in exile 1964-65, academic career before she became advisor to the Camera de Diputados in 1982, Senator 1990-2000, Vice-President of the Partido Revolucionario Dominicano from 1991 and candidate in the party primaries for the presidential candidacy in 2004. Mother of a son born 1967. (b. 1936-).
2000-02 Executive Vice-President Adina Mercedes Bastidas Castillo, Venezuela
An international banker before her appointment. Removed as Deputy Head of State and Government in January 2002 because she expressed too leftist views. Instead she was appointed Minister of Productivity and Commerce.
Princess Madeleine of Sweden 2000- Assistant Deputy Head of State HRH Princess Madeleine of Sweden
Also Duchess of Hälsingland och Gästrikland. She is the youngest child of  King Carl XVI Gustaf, and she acts as regent in the absence of her elder sister, Crown Princess Victoria, and brother, Prince Carl Philip (b. 1979)  She is born (b. 1982-).
Chieftainess Nosiseko Gayika Before 2000- Chieftainess Nosiseko Gayika of the Amambombo Tribe at Keiskammahoek in Eastern Cape (South Africa)
In 2000 elected to the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders.
Before 2000- Senior Chieftainess Nopharkamisa Mditshwa of the Pondomise Tribe (South Africa)
Head of one of the Xhosa speaking tribes in Sout Africa.
Before 2000- Chieftainess Mwene (Queen) Kabulwebulwe of the Nkoya People of Mumbwa District and the surrounding areas. (Zambia)
The Nkoya people are the first people to have settled in the area between 700 and 1400 AD. The Kabulwebulwe royal throne is part of the larger Nkoya Royal Establishment within the Nkoya State whose capital is based in present day Kaoma.

Before 2000- Senior Chieftainess Nawaitwika of Nakonde (Zambia)
The tribe lives in northeastern Zambia, near the border with Tanzania.

2000- Chieftainess Nio Sikori of the AmaRharbe Kingdom (Zambia)
2000-The Deji Princess Adeyinka Adesia of Akureland (Nigeria)
The 44th regent of the State and 4th of her own dynasty, assuming the regency during a vacancy at the throne. She lived in USA when her father died. (b. 1950-).
2000- Kgôsi Rebecca Banika of the Chobe District (Botswana)
Not a Paramount Chief but was apparently the first female ruler to be member of the House of Chiefs.
2000-03 Regent Princess Muriel Mosadi Seboko of the BaLete (Botswana)
2003- Paramount Chief, Kgosi
Supported by her mother and 6 sisters, she challenged the appointment of a male cousin as regent after the death of her only brother, Kgosi Seboko II. She was then reluctantly accepted as regent. The following year, she demanded to be appointed as the rightful chief. The royal uncles argued that she could not be a hereditary chief because custom dictated that only males could rule, but at at a historic kgotla meeting in Ramotswa in December 2001, attended by hundreds of BaLete and the royal family she argued that excluding her from the throne because she was a woman amounted to discrimination. She pointed out that she should be appointed not on the basis of tradition but on Botswana’s constitution, which she explained guarantees freedom from discrimination on the basis of gender, religion and so on, and she was then elected the first female Paramount Chief. She took up her official duties in the Ntlo-ya-Dikgosi where she was immediately appointed as leader of the house. Her coronation on 3 September 2003 attracted many people and the event was widely reported in the national and international media. The leopard skin was draped on her by her uncles Kgosi Tshukudu Mokgosi (chief of BaLete in South Africa) and Lucas Manyane Mangope (former President of the puppet apartheid state of Bophuthatswana in South Africa).
Before 2000- Chieftainess Mamatheola Matela of Ngoajani (Leshoto)
The chieftaincy is situated in the Leshoto Highlands.
Before 2000- Senior Chieftainess Mboanjikana (Leshoto)
Also holds the position of Barotse Royal Establishment Overseer.
2000- Hereditary Paramount Chief Cacike Carmen Yuisa Baguanamey Colon Delgado of the Taino Turabo Aymaco Tribe (Puerto Rico)
2000- Vice-Sovereign Chief of the Pan-Tribal Confederacy of Amerindian Tribal Nations
The Pan-Tribal Confederacy of Amerindian Tribal Nations covers all of the American Continent. She had been named chief (Cacike) by the tribal elders.

2000- The Potikitua Taunga Enua Pi Potikitaua, The Cook Islands
(Free Association with New Zealand)
Invested with the chiefly title after the death of Teariki Akamoeau Nooroa Manarangi, but later the same year Anua Rimatini Manarangi was also invested with the title.

Around 2000- Manarangi Tutai Ariki, Manarangi Ariki in Aitutaki, Cook Islands (Free Association with New Zealand)
Also known as Queen Manarangi, 'Queenie' or just Tutai is , one of Aitutaki's three ariki (high chiefs) where she and her husband, Den Clarke, runs a guesthouse.
2001- Executive President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, The Philippines (20.1-)
As executive GMA is also Head of the Cabinet. 1987-1989 she was Assistant Secretary and 1989-92 Undersecretary of Trade and Industry and Senator 1992-98. Vice-President 1998-2001 and Secretary of Social Development and Welfare 1998-2000 and charged with the leadership of the Cabinet Meetings. In 2001 the parliament sacked President Estrada because of corruption and she was sworn in as his successor as Head of State and Government. In 2002 and 2003 Secretary of Foreign Affaris, 2003, and 2006-07 of Defence. (b. 1947-).
2001-04 Executive President Megawati Sukarnoputri, Indonesia 
When Megawati  Setyawati Soekarnoputri became leader of the Democratic Party in 1993, she triggered the opposition against President Quarto. In 1999 her party won the most seats in the Parliament, but Abdulrahman Wahid was elected President. This caused serious riots all over the country and she was elected Vice-President the following day. In August 2000 the ailing President Wahid charged her with the running of the daily business of the government and state and she chaired the cabinet meetings. At the 23rd of July he was ousted and she inaugurated as Head of State and Government. Ibu Mega, as she is known, is daughter of Indonesia's founding father Sukarno, is married for the 3rd time and mother of 3 children. (b. 1946-).
2001-06 Governor General Dame Silvia Cartwright, New Zealand

1n 1989 she became the first female Chief Justice of a District Court and in 1993 the first woman in the Supreme Court and after a distinguished career as a lawyer and jurist, and as an advocate for women and women's rights, she became the official representative of the Queen of New Zealand, Queen Elizabeth.  She was also Commander-in-Chief and President of the Executive Council. From 2006 one of two international judges on Trial Chamber of the Cambodian War Crimes Tribunal. (b. 1943-).
2001-05 Governor General Dr. Dame Ivy Leona Dumont, The Commonwealth of the Bahamas

Deputy Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Works and Utilities 1975-78, worked in the private sector before becoming Secretary General of The National Movement Party 1990-92. She was Leader of the Government in the Senate 1990-2001, Minister of Social Affairs, Environment and Health 1992-95 and Minister of Education 1995-2001. She had officially retired when appointed acting G-G. in November 2001 and officially sworn in as representative of the Queen of Bahamas, Queen Elizabeth, at 01.01.02. (b. 1930-).
2001 and 2006 Acting Governor General Dame Sian Seerpoohi Elias, New Zealand
2006 Administrator of the Government (04.08-23.08)

As Chief Justice of New Zealand since 1999, she is the first deputy of the Governor General and acts in her place when she is abroad or otherwise incapacitated. Her official title when she acts as Governor General is Administrator of the Government, and she acted in the interregnum before Dame Silvia Cartwright took office 22.03-04.04 and after she left office 04.08 until her successor took office on 23.08. (b. 1949-).
Sandra Sumang Pierantozzi 2001-04 Vice-President Sandra Sumang Pierantozzi, Palau (Balau)

1989-96 Minister of Administration and Budget as her country's first female Minister, 1992 she was candidate for Vice-President and from 1996 senator and Floor Leader. In 2001 she again became Minister of Administration and Budget again, and was later appointed Minister of Health. Designated as Minister of State (Foreign Minsiter) in 2009.
2001-02 Premier Minister Mame Madior Boye, Sénégal

Before taking over as Chief of the Government, she was Assistant to the Attorney General of the Republic, judge and first vice President of the Regional High Court in Dakar and former President of the Court of Appeal in Dakar. Councillor to the Supreme Court of Appeal and Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals in 2000-2001. In 2002 she took over as Minister of Defence after the former incumbent resigned after almost 1.000 persons died in a ferry-disaster. (b.1940-).
2001- Temporary Regent HM Queen Karabo Mohato Bereng Seeiso of Lesotho

At 16 January 2001 she was sworn in for the first time as regent by the chief justice about a year after she married King Letsie III, and has acted regent and Deputy Head of State on various occasions since then. She continues her biology-studies by correspondence. (b. 1976-).
Sila Maria Calderón Serra 2001-05 Governor Sila Maria Calderón Serra, Estado
Libre Asociado de  Puerto Rico (USA)
As Secretary of State 1988-90 she was leader of the Government Administration, in charge of the Foreign Politics and Deputy to the Governor. She was Chief of Staff of the Governor 1985, 1986-90 Secretary of Interior and 1996-2001 Mayor of San Juan (The Capital)  From 1999 President of Partido Popular Democrático. She did not seek re-election. (b. 1942-).
Birgit Kleis 2001-05 High Commissioner Birgit Kleis, The Faeroe Islands (Danish External Territory)
Before becoming Ríkisumboðsmann or Rigsombudsmand in the Føroyar or Færøerne, she was Assistant Secretary in the Danish Ministry of Justice. She had worked as Secretary in the Riksombud in the Faeroes 1986-88.  (b. 1956-).
  Until 2001 Ratu Titaley of Saparua (Indonesia)
Succeeded her father, J. Titaley as ruler of the small principality, and drowned in a boating accident
2001- Paramount Chief, Kgosi Mosadi Seboko a Mokgôsi of the Balete (Botswana)
On the 3rd of December 2001 She was elected to succeed her brother Seboko II Mokgôsi (1959-2001) She was chosen in a well attended meeting, traditionally called kgotla. against the wishes of her paternal uncles who wanted to uphold the tradition of male succession. She became Chairperson of the House of Chiefs before her formal installation as Chief of the Bagamalete in 2003. (b. 1950-).
Regent of Bima 2001- Regent Princess Siti Hajjah Maryam Salahuddin of Bima (Indonesia)
Also known as Puteri Sultan, she is charge of the regency awaiting the instillation of her her nephew Prince Amakau Feri Zulkarnain Ibnu Putra Haji Abdul Khair, as sultan. He is the Vice-President of the local government of Bima. She was MP 1987-1997, and former Assistant to the Governement of Nusa Tenggara Barat and civil servant. Hajji Rahmat, a descendant of the Susuhunans of Surakarta. (b. 1927-).
2001- Chief Darlene Bernard, Lennox Island (Canada)
Head of the Nova Scotia Confederacy of First Nations.
2002-04 Acting President Natasa Micic, Serbia 
As President of the Assembly 2001-04 she became Acting President on 30th of December 2002 after the attempt to elect a President failed twice. She continued her duties as Chairperson of the Parliament. (b.1965-).
2002 Acting President Dr. Linda Baboolal, Trinidad and Tobago
Chairperson of Peoples National Movement 1996-2002. Minister of Social Welfare and Consumer's Affairs 1991-95 and Minister of Health 1995. Only a couple of days after her election as Senate President, she became Acting President of the Republic during the travels abroad of President Robinson and his periods of illness in April, July and October.
2002 Acting Governor General Monica Dacon, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (May-September)
The Deputy Governor General since 2001, she acted during the illness of the Governor General Sir Charles Antrobus (1933-96-2002), and after his death until a successor was appointed.Acting Governor General on numerous occations. (b. 1934-).
2002-06 1. Vice-President Lineth Saborío Chaverri, Costa Rica
As Vice-President she has held various Cabinet Positions. She has acted as the Chief Executive on many occasions during the frequent periods of illness of President Abel Pacheco de la Espriella (b. 1933-). In 2004 the 2. Vice-President resigned from the government. She is married to Roger Carvajal Bonilla who has held a number of Deputy Ministerial positions. (b. 1962-).
2002-06 2. Executive Vice-President Armida Villela de López Contreras, Honduras
A lawyer prior to her election to the post of Vice-President. She is also in charge of various social programs. Married to a former Minister of Foreign Affairs.
2002-07 Vice-President Truong  My Hoa, Vietnam
Detained during the Vetnam War, Member of Ho Chi Minh City's Communist Party Committee and Secretary of Tan Binh District Communist Party Committee until 1987,  Vice-President of the National Assembly 1994-2002, Ca. 1995-2002 President of the National Committee for the Advancement of Women (b. 1945-).
2002 Acting Prime Minister Chang Sang, South Korea (11.07-31.07)
Appointed Acting Prime Minister upon her designation which was vetoed by the parliament at the 30.7 and about one month later the parliament also rejected President Kim Dae Jung's nominee as her successor. She  holds a doctorate in philosophy from Princeton Theological College in the United States. She was President of Ewha Women's University from 1996. (b. 1939-).
2002-03 and 2003-04 Prime Minister Maria das Neves Ceita Batista de Sousa, Republic of São Tomé e Príncipé
Maria das Neves worked as a civil servant in the Ministry of Finance and in the African Development Bank. 1999-2001 Minister of Economics, Agriculture, Fisheries, Commerce and Tourism, 2001-02 Minister of Finance and 2002 Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism. On 16th of July 2003 she was detained during a military coup and suffered a mild hart attack. on the 23rd the government was reinstated, and she again became Chief of the Government. The following year she was dismissed after alegations of curruption. (b. 1958-).
2002- Assistant Chief Neima Kimojino of the Embulul Sub-Location, Ngong Division of the Kajiado District (Kenya)
First female chief of the Massai Tribe. (b. 1959-). 
2002- Taoanga Anga Mattaiapo Putaiariki Terii Nellie Pukeiti née Williams, High Chiefess in Anga Mataiapo, Cook Islands (Free Association with New Zealand)
One of the many female chiefs in the country.
2002- Senior Chieftainess Nawaitwika of the Namwanga Tribe in the Nakonde area  (Zambia)
The tribe lives in northeastern Zambia, near the border with Tanzania.
 

2003-04 Capitano Reggente Valeria Ciavatta, San Marino
Member of the Grand and General Council for the Alianza Populare since 1993 and Chairperson of the Council Group 2002-05, Party President 2006, Minister of Minister of Internal Affairs and Civil Protection and Accomplishment of the Programme from 2006. As Captain Regent, she was joint head of a state with a man, and also President of the Parliament and Head of Government. Mother of twins. (b. 1959-).

  

2003-04 Acting Executive President Nino Burjanadze, Georgia
 2007-08 Acting Executive President President

As Chairperson of the Parliament 2001-08 she took over after former President Eduard Shevardnadze was forced to resign as result of a "velvet revolution" after he rigged the parliamentary elections. She has been one of the opposition leaders for some years, since 2003 as President of the Burjanadze-Democrats. In 2007 she aced as President again as the incumbent, Mikheil Saakashvili, resigned to run in January 2008-election. She did not run for Parliament in 2008. Her full name is Nino Anzoris asuli Burjanadze, and her surname is also transcribed as Burdzhanadze. Mother of two children. (b. 1964-).
 

2003 Vice-President Ruth Metzler-Arnold, Switzerland
 (2004 Designate President of the Confederation)
1996-99 Sächelmeisterin, Councillor of Staatsrätin and Director of Finance of the Kanton Appenzell-Innerhoden, Vice-President of the Government in 1998-99 and 1999-2003 Federal Councillor of Justice and Police before becoming Deputy Head of State. She was the first Councillor of State not to be reelected for 131 years, and would have been Federal President for the year 2004 had she remained in office. When the elderly man who was elected, resigned in 2006, the party only nominated a woman to succeed him, and she was elected. (b. 1964-).
 

2003- Vice President Teima Onorio, Kiribati

Also known as Teimwa Onorio, she is her country's only female MP and the first female cabinet member for 26 years as Minister  Education, Youth and Sport Development, as well as Deputy Head of State. (b. 1963-).
Anneli Jäätteenmäki

2003 Prime Minister Anneli Jäätteenmäki, Finland
1991-94 and 1999-2000 Deputy Parliamentary Leader and since 2000 leader of Suomen Keskusta/Centern i Finland, 1994-95 Minister of Justice. In 2003 Speaker of the Parliament and Government Formateur and Premier from April to June until she was forced to resign after she was accused of having used confidential material to aid her election campaign, but was later cleared in court. (b. 1955-).
2003 President of the Council of Ministers Dr. Beatriz Merino Lucero, Peru
Senator 1990-92, Member of the Congress 1995-2000, Vice-Presidential Candidate 2000 and Superintendent of the National Tax Administration before becoming a very popular Premier until she was sacked by the extremely unpopular President. (b. 1949-).
Barbara K. Bodine 2003 Interim Transitional Civil Sub-administrator Barbara K. Bodine, The Central Region and Baghdad in Iraq (21.04.-11.05.03)
During the Iran-Iraq War in the early 1980s she was the deputy principal officer in Baghdad. Prior to the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, she was Deputy Chief of Mission in Kuwait and endured a 137-day siege by Iraqi troops of the U.S. Embassy. During her tenure as Ambassador to Yemen 1997-2001 the destroyer Cole was bombed and in 2001, she survived an airplane hijacking. (b. 1948-).
Sandra Rose Te Hakamatua Lee 2003-05 High Commissioner Sandra Rose Te Hakamatua Lee-Vercoe, Niue (Free Association with New Zealand)
Sandra Lee is active in Poutin Ngai Tahu tribal affairs, 1989 Council Chairperson of Waiheke County Council, 1991 President of the Mana Motuhake Party and 1994-2001 its leader. Co-Deputy Leader 1991-94, Leader 1994-95 and Deputy leader of the Alliance 1996-2001. 1999-2002 Minister of Conservation and Minister of Local Government, Associate Minister of Maori Affairs and Associate  Minister for the Biodiversity Strategy before becoming Representative of the New Zealand Government in Niue. (b. 1952-). 
2003-04 Minister-President Mirna Louisa-Godett, Nederlandse Antillen (External Territory of The Netherlands)
Sister of the Leader of Frente Obrero Liberashon 30 di Mei (FOL) Anthony Godett, who could not become Premier because he was charged with and later convicted for corruption and fraud. Married to a member of the Legislature for FOL, Johnny Louisa. She became head of a coalition government, which did not last long. (b. 1954-).
2003-04 Magistrate Vicky Auld, South Georgia (British Artic Territory)
As Commander of the British Antarctic Survey Base at King Edward Point, she was the senior most British official actually present at the Island. Afterwards she became Base Commander at Bird Island.
Makobo Caroline Modjadji VI 2003-05 Rain Queen Makobo Modjadji VI of Balobedu (South Afcica)
Elected to succeed her grandmother because her mother, Princess Makhaele' Maria Modjadji, died two days later than her mother, Rain Queen Mokope Modjadji V (1937-81-2001). Like her predecessors, she had the ability to control the clouds and rivers. Although respected for her abilities and lineage, she was seen as too modern to be the next Rain Queen, which may have been why there was such a long delay before she was crowned. Custom dictated that rain queens live reclusive lives, hidden in the royal kraal with their 'wives', but she insisted to live a modern life and her partner, David Mohale, lived with her in the pink palace, and she acknowledged him as father of her daughter. Her death certificate says she died of meningitis, a common illness affecting those with a compromised immune system such as is caused by Aids. She believed, however, that she was being poisoned, and her partner has removed their daughter - and only possible heir to the throne, Princess Masalanabo, from sight as he believes that her life is also in danger. Makobo Constance Modjadji VI lived (1978-2005).
2003- Datu Andi Lu of Luwu (Indonesia)
A grand-daughter of Datu Andi Jemma Barue, she was placed on the throne by a relative, who became mayor of the royal town of Palopo that year.
Gulnora Karimova 2003- Politically Influential Gulnora Islamovna Karimova in Uzbekistan
Also known as Gulnara Karimova, she is daughter of President Isam Karimov and Leader of a business empire and considered to be very influential in the country and a possible successor of her father. She has got two children First married Uzbek-American businessman, Mansur Maqsudi and from 2003 to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sadyq Safoev (b. 1972-).

2004 Acting Joint Head of State Barbara Prammer, Austria (06.07-08.07)
As Vice-President of the National Assembly she became Joint Acting Head of State together with the two other members of the Presidium, when the outgoing President died two days before his successor was to take office in July. She is a former Federal Minister and leading member of the Social Democrats of Austria, SPÖ. From 2006 President of the Nationalrat. (b. 1954-).
2004- Vice-President Joyce Mujuru, Zimbabwe
General during the anti-colonial under the name of Teurai-Ropa Nhongo. Also ZANU-Party Secretary of Education. 1980 Minister of Youth, Sport and Recreation, 1980-85 Minister of Community Development and Women's Affairs, 1985-88 Minister of State by the Prime Minister, 1988-92 Minister of Community Development, Cooperatives and Women’ Affairs, 1992-96 Resident Minister and Governor of Mashonaland Central, 1996-97 Minister of Information, Post and Telecommunication Since 1997 Minister of Rural Resources and Water Development and in 2001 Acting Minister of Defence, Former Secretary and from 2004 Vice-President of ZANU-P. (b. 1955-).
2004-10 Prime Minister Dr. Luísa Días Diogo, Moçambique  
Head of Department in the Ministry of Finance 1986-89, National Budget Director 1982-89 in Ministry of Planning and Finance, worked in World Bank 1993-94. worked in World Bank 1993-94. 1994-2000 Vice-Minister and Minister of Planning and Finance 2000-05. Mother of three children. (b. 1958-).
2004 Acting President of the Government Radmila Sekerinska, Macedonia (May-June) and (November-December)
As Vice-President of the Government and Minister without Portfolio for Euro-Atlantic Integration, she acted as Head of Government in the period from the former Prime Minister Crvenkovski's Presidential inauguration until election of Kostov as new Prime Minister. She already presided over government sessions and signed documents since Crvenkovski became candidate for President, as he 'renounced' his premiership during the Presidential campaign, but he never officially stepped down. Acting again in November after her predecessor resigned, but lost the party internal election for the post of Prime Minister and Leader of the Social Democratic Alliance of Macedonia (SDSM). (b. 1972).(b. 1972).
2004- President of the General Council Nassimah Magnolia Dindar, Réunion (French Oversea's Territory)
Vice-President of the Regional Council 2001-04 before becoming Chief of the Government. (b. 1960-).
2004-07 President of the Government Marie-Noëlle Thémereau, Nouvelle Caledonie  (French Oversea's Territory)
Member of the Congrès of Nouvelle-Calédonie and to the Assembly of Province Sud 1989-2001 and again from 2004, 2. Vice-President of de la Province Sud 1990-99 and 1. Vice-President of the Congrès de 1999-2001. (b. 1950-).
2004 Mayor and Chief Executive Brenda Christian, Pitcairn Island (United Kingdom Territory)
Brenda Vera Amelia Lupton-Christian was Member of the Island Council 2000-05, and became Acting Mayor and Chief Executive Officer, after the former mayor was one of the many male islanders convicted of rapes and other sexual abuse of children, but one month later, she was defeated by Jay Warren, the only of the defendants to be acquitted of the charges. From 2001 she was Police Officer. (b. 1954-).

2004-07 Governor Deborah Barnes Jones, Montserrat
 (British External Territory)

Only the second female Governor in the history of the British Commonwealth, she was Ambassador to Georgia 2001-03. Deborah Elizabeth Vavasseur Barnes Jones has been working in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office since 1980 and among others been 1. Secretary in Israel and Vice-Ambassador in Ecuador. In 1991 she became mother of twin daughters. (b. 1956-).
Alison Dean 2004-06 Magistrate Alison Dean  (British Artic Territory)
The most senior British acctually residing at the island, as the Commissioner and Assistant Commisioner reside at the Falkland Islands.
2004- Ro Teimumu Vuikaba Kepa, the Rewa High chief and Marama Bale na roko Tui Dreketi (Fiji)
Succeeded her sister Adi Lala to the chiefly title of Rewa High chief and Marama Bale na roko Tui Dreketi. She was Interim Minister of Women, Culture and Social Welfare 2000-01 and has been Minister of Education since 2001. And Chairperson of the Rewa Provincial Council from 2005. She is widow of Saolosi Wai Kepa (1938-2004) a former Minister, Ambassador to UK, High  Judge and Ombudsmand, and she is mother of 4 children.
Nana Ekua Bri II (Anna Ekua Saakwa) 2004- Chieftainess Nana Ekua Bri II of Apraponso (Ghana)
Also known as Anna Ekua Saakwa she is head of the  1.500 inhabitants of the village of Apraponso and of the surrounding villages  in the Mpohor-Wassa Traditional Area of the Western Region as a subordonate of the local king. During the inauguration ceremony she swore the customary oath to the chiefs and people at the Apraponso Royal Ground, holding the state sword in her right hand, espoused the greatness, achievements and conquests of her ancestors and pledge to blaze their trail. She is a Social Democrat member of the City Council of Copenhagen and continues to live in Denmark. (b. 1958-).
2004- Regent Kgosigadi Kealetile Moremi of the BaTawana (Botswana)
Her brother, Paramount Chief, Kgosi Tawana II, resigned toParamount Chief, Kgosi Tawana II, to stand as a BDP candidate for Maun West, and when the party rejected his candidature, he instead went into private business. Initially her uncle served as regent, but she was appointed as his successor after some initial opposition, and will be in office until Tawana's son reaches the age of majoirty. In May 2004 she was welcomed in the House of Chiefs at a ceremony attended by her mother, Princess Derby Moremi and other royals amidst ululation and dancing.

 

Ca. 2004- Titular Reigning Princess Georgette Kamamy  of Menabe (Madagascar)

Possibly her title is Queen. She is head of the local tribe and presides over the traditional ceremonies
Until 2004 Kainuku Mata Tekura Tau ka Pa Nia Ariki, Pa Ariki of the Takitumu Tribe (Free Association with New Zealand)
She died in New Zealand, and two years later her daughter, Kainuku Kapiriterangi Ariki, was invested with the Pa Nia Ariki-title.
2004- Chairperson of the Tribal Council Herminia Frias of  the Pascua Yaqui in Arizona (USA)
The first woman, who is also the youngest ever to lead the 14.000 member tribe. She is from the Yaqui community of Old Pascua. Catalina Alvarez was elected Secretary of the 11 member Council. Hermnia is (b. 1973-).
Sonia Gandhi 2004 Prime Minister-Designate Sonia Gandhi, India (15-19.05.04)
As President of Congress (I) since 1998, she was charged with forming a government in 1998, but failed. After the elections that followed, she became Parliamentary Leader of the whole Parliamentary Party in the Lokh Sabha and Leader of the Opposition. In 2004 her party won the elections she named Prime Minister-Designate, charged with forming a new government but decided not to assume the office. Instead she became Head of the National Advisory Council monitoring the implementation of the ruling coalition’s programme, and in many ways acts as "Shadow Prime Minister"She is the widow of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, who was killed in 1989. Born as Sonia Maino in Italy (b. 1945-).

2005 Capitano Reggente Fausta Simona Morganti, San Marino  
In 1974 she was one of the first three women elected to the Consiglio Grande e Generale. 1978-83 and 1988-92 Minister of State of Culture, Education and Justice, In the late 1990s Leader in Partito Progressista Democartico Sammarinese and Chief of the Parliamentary Group from around 1997 to 2002 and then again later in 2002 and Secretary of State of Public Education, Universities, Cultural Institutions and Social Affairs in 2002. (b. 1944-).

2005-  Governor-General Rt. Hon Michaëlle Jean, Canada
Daughter of Haitian immigrants who fled the Duvalier regime in 1968, former university literature professor, social activist and veteran CBC broadcaster from Quebec. Married to French-born Jean-Daniel Lafond, and mother of  Marie-Eden (b. 1999). She is (b. 1957-).

2005-08 Deputy President The Hon. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, South Africa
1996-99 Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, 1999-2005 Minister of Minerals and Energy, Acting Minister of Arts and Culture in 2004 and appointed Acting President in 2004 from 28.07 to 30.07 and in 2005 on 23.01. Resigned together with President Mbeki rather than become Interim Head of State. (b. 1955-).

2005-06 2. Vice-President Alice Nzomukunda, Burundi
As Deputy Chief of State and Government, she was responsible for Economic and Social issues, Secretary General of the Transitional National Assembly 2004-05 and Spokesperson of RAFEBU (Ralliement des associations des Femmes Burundaises) and the League of the Women of CNDD-FDD and 1. Vice-President of the National Assembly 2007-08. (b. 1966-).

2005-09 Vice-President Fatemeh Javadi, Iran
Also Head of the Environmental Protection Organisation. Until her appointment she was paleontologist teaching at the University of Shiraz.

2005 Prime Minister Yuliya Tymoshenko, Ukraine
2006 Designate Prime Minister (22.06-08.07.06)
 2007-10 Prime Minister
Her name is also transcribed as Yulia Voldyrovna Timoshenkno. She is former Co-Leader of the Hromda party, Director of United Energy System 1998-2000, In January 2001 dismissed from the government, detained charged with corruption but later acquitted. Leader of Batkivsjtjina (Fatherland's Party) 2000/01-05 and of the Bloc Tymoshenko from 2005. In June 2006 a Coalition deal was signed designating her as Prime Minister, but one of the parties broke out, and a man became Premier. In 2007 she became chief of government again. Narrowly defeated in the 2010-presidential elections and afterwards her coalition in parliament broke up and she was defeated by a motion of no confidence. (b. 1961-).

2005-07 Prime Minister Maria do Carmo Trovoada Pires de Carvalho Silveira, São Tomé e Princípe
Normally known as Maria do Carmo Silveira, she was governor of the National Bank 2002-05 and member of the Political Bureau of  the Movement for the Liberation of Sao Tomé-Social Democratic Party, MLSTP-PSD. Also Minister of Finance from 2005. (b. 1961-).

2005- Federal Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel, Germany

1990 Deputy Spokesperson of the Government of the DDR, 1990-98 Deputy Chairperson of CDU, 1991-94 Federal Minister Women and Youth and 1994-98 Federal Minister of Environment, Protection of Nature and Reactor Safety, 1993-2000 Chairperson of CDU in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern,  1998-2000 Federal Secretary General and since 2000 Federal Chairperson of CDU and 2002-05 also Parliamentary Leader. Bundeskanzlerin in a Grand Coalition between CDU/CSU and SPD. Née Kasner and married secondly to Joachim Sauer, no children. (b. 1954-).

2005 Acting Prime Minister The Hon. Cynthia A. Pratt, Bahamas (03.05-22.06)
Became Acting Chief of Government when the incumbent suffered a minor stroke, but has acted on a number of occasions before, when he was abroad. She is also known as "Mother" Pratt. As Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Security 2002-07 she was in charge of the Defence Force and Police. She was Opposition Whip Ca. 1992-2000 and from ca. 2000 Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Deputy Leader of the Progressive Liberal Democratic Part. A former nurse, she is mother of 6 children (b. 1945-).
2005-08 High Commissioner Anne Boquet, French Polynesia (French External Territory)
1989-90 Sous-Prefet of Loir-et-Cher, 1993-96 Secretary General of Polynésie Française (Deputy High Commissioner), 1996-2000 Sous-prefect of Oise and 2000-02 Prefect of Indre. Also civil servant in various ministries, latest as Director in the Ministry of Overseas Affairs. Also civil servant in various ministries, latest as Director in the Ministry of Overseas Affairs, Prefect of Yvelines near Paris from 2008.(b. 1952-).
2005 Secretary of State Hon. Marisara Pont Marchese, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (Association with United States of America)
A lecturer at Puerto Rico's University she was President of the Commission of Transission 2004-05. As Secretary of State she is deputy to the governor.
2005-06 Chief Secretary Mahala Wynns, Turk and Caicos Islands (Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom)
2006- Deputy Governor
2005 and 2008 Acting Governor
Acting as chief executive of the island during two periods until a new governor was inagurated after his predecessor left. As Chief Secretary she was member of the Executive Committee and from 2009 she is member of the Advisory Council - the Executive that took charge after the British authorities supended the constution and the Governor took over the executive powers after a report showed widespread corruption.

2005-07 President of the Sameting/Sámediggi Aili Keskitalo in Norway
Leader of Norske Samers Riksforbund since 2003. As President she is both Head of the Parliament and the Executive of the Sami Entity in Norway. The Parliament has got 51% female members. She is mother of two children. (b. 1968-).

2005- Mwadinomho Martha Kristian Nelumbu of Oukwanyama, Nambia
Ohamba or Queen Martha's surname is also spelled Nelumbo. She succeeded her cousin, Shelongo, as chief of the tribe thereby becoming the second female leader of the tribe after Ohamba Nekoto, who ruled parts of the territory ca. 1891-1908. (b. 1930-).
Until 2005 Terei Mataiapo and Maui Mataiapo Paiau Terei, High Chiefess in Takitumu, Cook Islands (Free Association with New Zealand)
Succeeded her aunt, and after her death, the 2 titles were devided among her sons Iaveta Short and Tuingariki Short.

2005- Adi Laite Kotomaiwasa, Marama Tui Ba of the Vanua Nawaiviluri (Fiji)
Identified in late 2004 as the successor to the title, and was installed in April 2005. She is the only surviving sister of Tui Ba Adi Seinimili Cagilaba (the late Marama Na Tui Ba), who died in January 2004. Vanua means "region".

Before 2005- Adi Joana Rokomatu, Tui Sigatoka (Fiji)
Has worked closely with the Sigatoka Town Council to promote development projects, as well as efforts to beautify the town. She also hosts the Nadroga rugby team, providing them with meals. She arranges church services for the rugby team on Friday nights whenever they are in town.
2006- Executive President Dr. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Liberia  
1972-73 and 1977-79 Secretary of State of Finance, 1979-80 Minister of Finance, 1980 President of the National Bank, 1980-85 worked for the World Bank, 1985-86 in house arrest after her return, 1990-92 Leading member of exile-government of Amos Sawyer in United States of America, 1992-97 African Director of the UNDP (United Nations Development Program). From 1997 Leader of the Unity Party. Presidential Candidate in 1997, Candidate for the Chairmanship of the National Transitional Government in 2003 and finally won the presidential elections in november 2005. She is divorced, mother of a number of children, and grandmother. (b. 1938-).
2006-10 President Dr. Michelle Bachelet Jeria, Chile
2000-02 Minister of Health, 2002-04 Minister of Defence. Her father, a general, was killed by the Pinochet dictatorship. Her boyfriend was also detained, tortured and disappeared. She and her mother were also detained and tortured and afterwards lived in exile in Australia and East Germany. She returned to Chile in 1979 and worked for various NGOs helping children of the tortured and disappeared. She had two children with her first husband and a daughter with her former partner. (b. 1952-).
2006 Vice-President of the Confederation Micheline Calmy-Rey, Switzerland
2007 President of the Confederation
Former President of the Socialist Party of Génève, she was President of the Grand Conseil of Génève 1993, Councillor of Finance 1997-2002, Vice-President of the Cantonal Government 2000-01 and President of the Cantonal Government 2001-02. Federal Foreign Minister since 2003. (b. 1945-).

2006- Vice-President Dr. Naja Al-Attar, Syria
Minister of Culture 1976-2000 and of National Guidance 1994-2000.

2006- 1. Vice-President Laura Chinchilla Miranda, Costa Rica
Vice-Minister of Security 1994-96, Minister of Public Security, Interior and Police 1996-98 and also Minister of Justice from 2006.

2006- 2. Vice-President Lourdes Mendoza del Solar, Perú

Former Mayor, Zoila Lourdes Carmen Sandra Mendoza del Solar was the running-mate of Alan Garcia. (b. 1958-).

2006-07 2. Vice-President Marina Barampama, Burundi
Secretary General of the Women's Leauge of the Cndd-fdd Party from 2006. Fired by the president after 6 months in office because of political differences. (b. 1969-).
2006- Minister-President Emily Saïdy de Jongh-Elhage, Nederlandse Antillen (Selfgoverning Part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Commissioner of Public works and Public Housing of Curaçao 1998-99, Commissioner of Education, Sport and Cultural Affairs 1999-2002, Minister of Education and Culture of the Nederlandse Antillen 2002-03 and Commissioner of Public Enterprises and Public Housing 2004-05 of Curaçao. From 2005 Leader of De Partido Antia Restrukturá (PAR). As Premier she is also Minister of General Affairs and External Relations. (b. 1946-).
2006-07 Prime Minister The Most Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller, Jamaica
Since 1976 MP, 1976-82 Parliamentary Secretary of the Prime Minister, Deputy President of People's National Party 1978-2006 and President from 2006. Minister of Labour, Social Welfare and Sports 1989-2000, Candidate for the party leadership and Premiership in 1992, Minister of Tourism, Entertainment, Sports and Women’s Affairs 2000-02 and Minister of Local Government, Community Development and Sport 2002-06. Acting Prime Minister on various occasions whenever the chief of government was out of the country. From 2006 also Minister of Defence and Sports. (b. 1946-).

2006-07 Prime Minister Dr. Han Myung-sook, South Korea
During the years of the military dictatorship, she started her career as a social activist in the South Korea Christian Academy and was a political prisoner 1979-81. Master in Christian Theology and Women's Studies and B.A. in French. MP from 2000. Minister of Gender Equality 2001-03 and Minister of Environment 2003-04. She resigned to run as candidate in the Uri-party internal primaries but soon after the party merged with other parties into the United New Democratic Party, which chose a male presidential candidate. (b. 1944-).
2006 Acting Governor Dancia Penn, British Virgin Islands (External Territory of United Kingdom and Great Britain)
The Deputy Governor since 2004, she has acted as governor on different occations, but in 2006 she was in charge in the interim between two governors from 10. to 18. April. She was Attorney-General and ex-officio member of the Legislative Council 1992-99 and elected to the renamed the House of Assembly in 2007 when she also became Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Welfare. (b. 1951-).
2006 Acting Governor Harriet Hall, The Falkland Islands and South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands  (05.08-25.08) (United Kingdom External Territory)
2007- Chief Executive of the Territory of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
The Deputy Governor of First Secretary and Assistant Commissioner to South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands and  Director of Fisheries 2003-07, she acted during the interregnum between two Governors, and later took over the administration of  South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands in the southern Atlantic Ocean, which are both uninhabited.
2006- Administrator Jane Rumble, British Antarctic Territory (UK External Territory)
As Head of the Polar Regions Unit in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office she is no-resident Administrator of the British part of the Antartic.
2006- Intendent Eugenia Mancilla, Antártica Chilena (Chile External Territory)
In charge of the 12th region which coveres both  Magallanes and la Antártica Chilena.
2006- Adi Salaseini Tuilomaloma Ritova Qomate, Tui Labasa (Fiji)
Declared as successor of her brother, who died in 2002, by the Native Lands Commission. (b. 1930-).
2006- Kainuku Kapiriterangi Ariki, Pa Ariki of the Takitumu Tribe in Rarotonga, Cook Islands (Free Association with New Zealand)
Her title is possibly Pa Nia Ariki, She is one of the two chief of the Tribe (Vaka) of Takitumu in Rarotonga. When her mother, Kainuku Mata Tekura Tau ka Pa Nia Ariki died in 2004, the title was disputed by a distant relative, but the Courts have settled the title with her.
2006 "President" Georgette Bertin-Pourchet, Saugeais [France]
Twelve communes in Franche-Comté in the modern department of Doubs declared themselves an independent republic in 1947. Her father, Georges Pouchet, was President in 1947-68 and her mother, Gabrielle Pourchet, was in office (1972-2005). In 1999 her mother called for the election of 30 Presidential Electors to choose her successor in due course, and Georgette was elected in January 2006. (b. 1934-).

2007 Acting President Dalia Itzik, Israel

Former Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem in charge of Education, Labour Member of the Knesset 1992-2005, Minister of Environment 1999-2001, Minister of Trade and Industry 2001-02, Group Chairperson of Labour 2003-05 and Minister of Communication in 2005. She joined Kadima, a new party formed by Ariel Sharon in 2006 and Speaker of the Knesset 2006-09. She became Acting Head of State when President Moshe Katsaw on his own request was temporary suspended after the Attorney General announced that he would charge the president with offences including rape, obstruction of justice and fraud, on 1. July he resigned and she continued in her role until his successor, Shimon Peres, took office. (b. 1952-).
2007- President Pratibha Patil, India
Deputy Minister 1967-72 and Cabinet Minister 1972-83 and Congress Leader and Leader of the Opposition 1979-80 in Maharastra, Deputy Chairperson of the Union Upper House, the Rajya Sabha 1986-88, Governor of Rajasthan 2004-07. (b. 1934-).
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner 2007- Executive President Cristina E. Fernández Wilhelm de Kirchner, Argentina
Member of the Assembly of Santa Cruz 1989-95 and 1. Vice-President of the Assembly in 1990, National Senator 1995-97 and again since 2001, National Deputy 1997-2001. President of the Senate Committee of Constitutional Affairs since 2001. Her husband, Nestor Kirchner was President until 2007. Mother of 2 children. (b. 1953-).

2007- Governor-General Dame Louise Lake-Tack, Antigua and Barbuda
A former nurse and magistrate from 1995, who lived in United Kingdom for about 40 years before moving back. (b. 1944-).
Borjana Kristo

2007- President Borjana Kristo, Federation of Bosnia (Bosnia-Hercegovina)
2003-07 Minister of Justice of the Bosniak-Croat Federation an entity in The Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina. The former Vice-President of the Parliament, Spomenka Micic, was elected one of the 2 Vice-Presidents of Federation. (b.  1961-).
2007- Vice-President Nguyen Thi Doan, Vietnam
Professor in Economics and Vice-Chairperson of the Inspection Commission of the Communist Party. (b. 1951-).
Emanuelle Mignon

2007-08 Personal Representative of the French Co-prince Emmanuelle Mignon in Andorra
Appointed by President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, who is also Co-Prince of Andorra and her role was to keep him informed about issues involving the Principality. The other Co-Prince, the Bishop of Urgell in Spain, also has a Personal Representative. She held the offices of Director of the Cabinet of The President and President of the Council of Administration of the National Domaine of Chambord and has been Presidential Advisor since 2008. (b. 1968-).

2007- Premier Viveca Eriksson, Åland (Finish External Territory)

Chairperson of the Liberal Parliamentary Group 1999-2001, Member of the Speaker's Conference 1999-2000, Chairperson of the Finance Committee 1999-2001, first Vice-speaker 2000-01 and 2005-07, Speaker 2001-05 and Party Chairperson from 2004. (b. 1956-).
Ada Ariki Before 2007- Moe Ada Ngamaru Ariki, Ngamaru Ariki of the Ngati Te Akatauira Tribe in Atiu, Cook Islands (Free Association with New Zealand)
Her title is possibly Pa Nia Ariki, She is one of the two chief of the Tribe (Vaka) of Takitumu in Rarotonga. When her mother, Kainuku Mata Tekura Tau ka Pa Nia Ariki died in 2004, the title was disputed by a distant relative, but the Courts have settled the title with her.
Napoaka Ziiri

2007- Chief Napoaka Ziiri Thérèse Léotine Kaboré épouse Yaméogo of a District in Issouka (Burkino Faso)
Appointed chief by Modeste Yaméogo, the Naaba Saaga, traditional chief of Issouka. She is in charge of one district of almost 5,000 people, and has got the power to judge cases, settle disputes and, most important, grant land use to the people under her rule. This is especially important in a country where most people earn a living by farming. (b. 1947-).
Ratu Hajjah Rustutih Rumagesan of Sekar Ca. 2007- Regent-Ratu Hajjah Rustutih Rumagesan of Sekar (Indonesia)
When her father died, an uncle became raja  of the small principality in West Papua - Onin Peninsula, but a power struggle erupted with her 3 other uncles and she was asked to become regent.
2008- Capitano Reggente Assunta Meloni, San Marino
Member of the Consiglio Grande e Generale for Alleanza Popolare from 2006. Married to Fabrizio Stacchini and mother of 2 sons. (b. 1951-).
Iv Matsepe-Casaburri 2008 Acting President Dr. Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, South Africa
Premier of the Free State 1996-99, Federal Minister of Communication since 1999. Acting President on one or two occations in 2003 and Member of the Pool of Possible Acting Presidents from 2005 and on 25. September, she was Acting Executive after the resignation of the President until a successor was elected and sworn in. (b. 1937-).
2008- Governor-General Quentin Bryce, Australia
Lawyer, academic and human rights advocate, Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner, and founding chair and Chief Executive Officer of the National Childcare Accreditation Council and Governor of Queensland from 2003. (b. 1942-).
2008- Deputy President Baleka Mbete, South Africa

Chairperson of the (ANC) Parliamentary caucus 1995-96, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly 1996-2004  and Speaker 2004-08. When the President resigned in September 2008 it was expected that she would be named Acting President for the period until April 2009, but this position went to a man, who appointed her as Deputy President. (b. 1949-).

2008-09 Prime Minister Zinaida Grecianîi, Moldova
Vice-Minister 2000-01 and First Vice-Minister of Finance 2001-02, Minister of Finance 2002-05 and 1. Vice Prime Minister and Coordinator of the activity of executive institution in charge with economic-financial sector from 2005. Presidential Candidate in 2009. (b. 1956-).
Michèle D. Pierre-Louis 2008-09 Prime Minister Michèle Pierre-Louis, Haiti
The third nominee by president Preval since March, has been Executive Director of the Foundation of Knowledge and Liberty since 1995. Voted out of office by the Senate in 2009. (b. 1947-).

2008- Leader of the Government Antonella Mularoni, San Marino

As Secretary of Foreign and Political Affairs she also functions as Leader of the Government even though the Captain Generals are both Heads of State and Government. She was Political Secretary to the Minister of Finance 1986-87, Director of the Office for relations with the associations of San Marino citizens living abroad 1987-90, Deputy Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe, 1989-90, Barrister and public notary in the Republic of San Marino 1991-2001, Member of the General Grand Council 1993-2001 and again from 2008, and Judge of the European Court of Human Rights 2001-08. (b. 1961-).

2008 Acting President of the Executive Council  Marthe Ogoundelé-Tessi, St-Martin (French External Territory)

2007-08 1. Vice-President in charge of Employment, Educational Training, Professional Training, Teaching, Culture, Youth and Sports, School Transport, Also President of the Conseil Territory, Candidate for the Post of President in 2008 and since 2008 Member of the Executive Council.

2008 Charged with the Government Formation Tzipi Livni, Israel (23.09-26.10.2008)

2001 Minister of Regional Cooperation, 2001-02 Minister without Portfolio in the Prime Minister's Office for Information, 2002-03 Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, 2003-06 Minister of Immigrant Absorption
2004-05 Minister of Construction and Housing, 2004-05, Minister of Justice 2005-06 and 2006-07 and also 1. Vice-Premier from 2006. She was MK for Likud 1999-2005, when she joined Kadima and Party Leader from 2008 and charged with the government formation September-October 2008. (b. 1958-). 

Philla Shilubana, Chief of the of the Valoyi   2008- Hosi (Chief) Tinyiko Lwandhlamuni Philla Nwamita Shilubana of the Valoyi  (Souh Africa)
When her father, Hosi Fofoza Nwamitwa, died in 1968 without a male heir, her uncle became chief because customary law athe time did not permit a woman to become Hosi. During 1996 and 1997 the traditional authorities of the community passed resolutions deciding that she would succeed her uncle,
since in the new constitutional era women were equal to men. And her succession was approved by the provincial government. However, following the death of her uncle 2001, her cousin interdicted her installation and challenged her succession, claiming that the tribal authorities had acted unlawfull. The Supreme Court concluded that the traditional authorities had the authority to develop their customary law under the Constitution and that her cousin did not have a right to be declared Hosi. She was elected MP for ANC in 1999. (b. 1942-)

Rose Francine Rogombé

 2009 Interim President Rose Francine Rogombé, Gabon

Secretary of State for the Advancement of Women and Human Rights during the 1980s. As President of the Senate from 2009 she is Deputy Head of State and became Interim President when President Bongo died. (b. 1942-).
2009- President Dalia Grybauskaitė, Lithuania
1994-1995 Extraordinary Envoy and Plenipotentiary Minister at the Lithuanian Mission to the EU and Deputy Head Negotiator for the Europe Agreement with EU, 1996-1999 Plenipotentiary Minister at the Embassy in USA, 1999-2000 Vice-Minister of Finance and 2000-01 Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Head of the EU Accession negotiations, 2001-04 Minister of Finance and 2004 EU-Commissioner of Financial Planning and Budget 2004-09. Won 69% of the votes in the presidential elections and will take office on 12 July. (b. 1956-).
2009 Vice-President of the Confederation 
2010 President of the ConfederationDoris Leuthard, Switzerland
Member of the Assembly in Aargau 1997-2000, Vice-President of Christian Democratic Party, CVP 2001-04,  President of CVP Schweiz 2004-06 and Federal Councillor of Economic Affairs (b. 1963-).

2009- Vice-President Joyce Banda, Malawi

Minister of Women, Child Welfare and Community Service 2004-06 and Minister of Foreign Affairs 206-09. (b. 1954-).

2005-09 Vice-President Nasrin Soltankhah, Iran
In carge of Science and Technology, 2005-09 Cabinet Member and Director of the Center for Women's Participation and Presidential Advisor on Women’s Affairs and Member of the Theran City Council from 2003.
2009- Prime Minister Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir, Iceland
Johanna Sigurdardsottir was Deputy Chairperson of the Social Democrats 1984-93, Chairperson 1994-99 of the National Revival Party until she rejoined the Social Democrats, becoming it's leader in 2009. Vice-President of the Lower Chamber 1979 and 1983-84 and Vice-Chairperson of the the Alþing 2003-07, Minister of Social Affairs And Health 1987-91 and Minister of Social Affairs 1991-94 and 2007-09. Took over as Interim Premier because the Party Chairperson, Foreign Minister  Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, was beeing treated for a brain tumor. First married to Þorvaldur Steinar Jóhannesson with whom she has got 2 sons and since 2002 she lives in a civil partnership with the author Jónína Leósdóttir, who is mother of 1 son. (b. 1942-).

2009- Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor, Croatia

Vice-President of the Sabor 1995-2000 and Deputy Chairperson of HDZ 1995-97. Minister of War Veterans from 2003, Minister for Family and Inter-Generation Solidarity 2003-08 and responsible for Foreign Policy and Human Rights. Presidential Candidate 2005. (b. 1953-).
2009 Acting Prime Minister
2009 Prime Minister Cécile Manorohanta, Madagascar
Cécile Marie Ange Dominique Manorohanta was Vice-Minister of Education and Scientific Research 2007, Minister of Defence 2007-09 and Vice-Premier and Minister of Interior in 2009. As part of the power struggle she was in charge of the government from October to November as the appointed Premier could not be sworn in and when he was abroard in December, she again acted as his stand-in until he was dismissed and she appointed as his successor, but replaced after 2 days in office.
2009 Acting Governor Lesley Pallett, Gibraltar (UK External Territory) (21-26. October)
As Deputy Governor since 2008, she acted from the former governor departed until his successor was sworn in. Head of Drugs and International Crime Department, and has been Director of European Policy, Immigration and Nationality in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
2009- Director Lyn Maddock, The Australian Antarctic Division and Administrator of the Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands (Australia)
The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is a division of the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA). The islands are a territory (Territory of Heard Island and McDonald Islands) of Australia administered from Hobart by the Australian Antarctic Division of the Australian Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.

Last update 11.03.10