The United States prides itself on being a beacon of democracy, innovation, and progress. Yet, in the arena of political leadership, it trails behind much of the world in a glaringly obvious way: it has never elected a woman president. In stark contrast, nearly a third of the United Nations’ 193 member states have had women serve as heads of government or state, including many small nations that have made historic strides in breaking glass ceilings. The question is no longer just why the United States lags behind, but whether it will catch up with the global tide of gender equality in leadership.
Take, for example, the Caribbean region—a mosaic of small island states where women leaders have risen to power in recent years. Mia Mottley, the prime minister of Barbados, has emerged as a global figure, reshaping perceptions of what leadership from the Global South looks like. Since her election in 2018, Mottley has been a vocal advocate for climate justice, boldly addressing the disparities faced by small nations in global forums such as the United Nations and COP climate summits. Her speeches resonate worldwide, and her pragmatic leadership style has garnered international respect. In her words, “We must not only plan for today, but for tomorrow and for the generations to come.”
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Mottley’s rise to prominence mirrors the achievements of other Caribbean women leaders, such as Portia Simpson-Miller, who served as Jamaica’s prime minister, and Dame Eugenia Charles, Dominica’s first and longest-serving prime minister. These women navigated the complexities of patriarchal systems, systemic inequities, and often limited resources, leading their countries with vision and tenacity. They shattered entrenched stereotypes, proving that effective leadership is not confined to gender but driven by competence, courage, and character.
The United States’ failure to elect a woman president stands in sharp contrast. Hillary Clinton came close in 2016, winning the popular vote by nearly three million ballots, but the Electoral College awarded the presidency to Donald Trump. Clinton’s candidacy was groundbreaking, but her defeat also exposed the pervasive barriers women face in American politics. The double standards, gendered scrutiny, and undercurrents of misogyny she endured reflect deep-seated challenges that persist for women seeking high office.
Globally, women leaders like New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern, Finland’s Sanna Marin, and Germany’s former chancellor Angela Merkel have shown that inclusivity at the top isn’t just symbolic—it drives meaningful change. Ardern’s empathetic response to crises, including the Christchurch mosque shootings and the COVID-19 pandemic, won her widespread acclaim. Marin, the youngest prime minister in Finland’s history, has championed progressive social policies while Merkel’s steady hand guided Europe through a financial crisis and Brexit.
Why, then, is the United States so far behind? One explanation lies in its unique electoral system. The Electoral College creates pathways for less-populous states to disproportionately influence presidential outcomes, often diluting progressive and diverse voter blocs concentrated in urban areas. Another significant factor is the culture of American politics. Unlike parliamentary systems where party dynamics often position leaders, the U.S. presidency demands individual candidates navigate grueling primary campaigns, fundraise astronomical sums, and withstand relentless public scrutiny.
Beyond structural barriers, societal attitudes play a defining role. In a Pew Research Center survey, a majority of Americans said that women should have an equal chance to lead, yet a significant minority expressed doubts about their competence in handling critical issues like national security. Such biases, often unspoken, continue to cast a shadow over women candidates, underscoring that systemic change requires more than just opportunity; it necessitates a cultural shift.
Even as the U.S. lags, there are signs of progress. Vice President Kamala Harris shattered one glass ceiling by becoming the first woman, and the first woman of color, to hold the nation’s second-highest office. Her position has reignited conversations about gender and leadership, inspiring young women across the country to imagine themselves in positions of power. Yet, the vice presidency is not the presidency, and the ultimate milestone remains elusive.
The global stage offers a powerful reminder that women’s leadership is not an anomaly. In fact, it is increasingly becoming the norm. According to UN Women, as of 2023, 31 nations have women serving as heads of state or government. This includes small nations like Iceland, with Katrín Jakobsdóttir, and large, populous democracies like India, which had Indira Gandhi as its prime minister decades ago. In Latin America, leaders like Michelle Bachelet of Chile and Dilma Rousseff of Brazil have also held the highest offices, further debunking the myth that political systems dominated by machismo cannot accommodate women at the helm.
It’s worth reflecting on the transformative impact of women leaders. Research by the Peterson Institute for International Economics indicates that organizations with greater gender diversity often perform better, a finding that also applies to governance. Women leaders bring fresh perspectives, challenge traditional hierarchies, and advocate policies that prioritize equity, education, and social welfare. They are more likely to champion collaborative and inclusive governance, a style sorely needed in today’s polarized political climate.
As Mia Mottley observed, “Leadership is not about the next election; it’s about the next generation.” This ethos encapsulates why diverse leadership matters—it ensures that decision-making reflects the needs of all citizens, not just a privileged few. For the United States to claim its place as a leader in gender equality, it must embrace this principle, not merely in rhetoric but in action.
The U.S. has an opportunity to learn from the Caribbean and other regions that have normalized women in leadership roles. As history has shown, change rarely comes easily, but it is always possible. The path forward requires dismantling structural barriers, confronting cultural biases, and cultivating a political environment where women can thrive not despite their gender but because their leadership is recognized as essential.
So, is there time for the United States to catch up? Absolutely. But catching up is not enough. The U.S. must also strive to lead, demonstrating that its ideals of equality and opportunity are not confined to paper but are realized in practice. The world is watching, and as nations like Barbados, New Zealand, and Finland have proven, the time for women leaders is not tomorrow—it’s now. The United States would do well to take note.
