From Corazon Aquino to Sanae Takaichi: women who changed politics in Asia and beyond

Calling herself a “plain housewife”, Corazon Aquino became an unlikely revolutionary after the assassination of her husband, Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. Swept into the presidency by the peaceful People Power Revolution of 1986, her courage transformed grief into a movement that toppled a powerful dictatorship and made history. As the Philippines’s first democratically elected leader in over two decades—and Asia’s first female president—Corazon Aquino was named Time Person of the Year in 1986.

Angela Merkel’s 16-year chancellorship coincided with relentless turbulence: the global financial collapse, the Eurozone crisis and the refugee emergency. Her calm, data-driven approach provided stability when chaos threatened. Her pragmatic leadership during these successive crises established her as one of the 21st century’s most significant European leaders.

After years of unsuccessful leadership bids, Sanae Takaichi finally claimed Japan’s top political office during a moment of crisis, as her party grappled with scandal, electoral defeat and a fractured coalition. The 64-year-old heavy metal and motorcycle enthusiast became the fourth prime minister since Shinzo Abe stepped down in 2020, reflecting deep political deadlock in the world’s fourth-largest economy. Her victory required last-minute coalition talks and, while historic, highlights the tension between symbolic progress and policy reality in a nation that still ranks 118th globally for gender equality.

When Margaret Thatcher became prime minister in 1979, Britain was drowning in economic decline, crippling strikes and national malaise. She implemented radical free-market reforms with uncompromising resolve, earning her the nickname “Iron Lady”. Both celebrated and criticised as a leader, her willingness to make tough decisions during turbulent times reshaped not just Britain, but global politics.

Leading her late husband’s party to a landslide victory in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), Sirimavo Bandaranaike transformed personal tragedy into historic achievement in 1960. She became the world’s first female prime minister, proving that women could command power even in the most challenging circumstances. Her leadership across three non-consecutive terms defined her nation’s politics for decades.

Indira Gandhi inherited a nation in turmoil and emerged as one of the 20th century’s most formidable leaders. Navigating widespread social unrest and profound economic challenges, she demonstrated an iron will that defined Indian politics for decades. Her steely determination during the Indo-Pakistani War and other crises cemented her legacy as a leader who never flinched.

As a divorced single mother in 1980, Vigdis Finnbogadóttir faced enormous social prejudice in Iceland. Yet she shattered expectations to become the world’s first democratically elected female head of state. Her 16-year presidency proved that personal adversity could forge exceptional leadership, inspiring women globally to challenge societal constraints.

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