Madam President

We are near the end of the second decade of the 21st century and it is only now that the United States might be ready to elect a woman as a president for the first time. Indeed, it's not very common to find women in the world of politics. Men dominate this field as they form the majority. The Arab world remains far behind because of the discrimination against women in state institutions. That said, more and more women serve in political parties, from Europe to Africa to Asia. You can find below the portraits of 3 women who are heads of states (excluding female monarchs and women at the head of a government). It's undeniable that these women are a minority, but this glaring minority symbolizes the future, a future where women will be more present, better represented and more engaged in their political duties.

Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic - Croatia

January 11, 2015, the conservative Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic became the first woman head of state in Croatia and the first woman elected as president of the Balkans by popular vote. This graduate of foreign languageuages was also the first foreign minister of Croatia. Her victory was tight (50.7% of the votes) and her election had surprised everyone since her opponent was President Ivo Josipovic.

Ameenah Gurib-Fakim - Mauritius

The former renowned scientist specializing in biodiversity and bio-organic chemistry, Professor Gurib-Fakim is the first woman President of the Republic of Mauritius. The 56 year old woman was unanimously elected by the parliament in June 2015. Ameenah was recently ranked by Forbes magazine as one of the hundred most powerful women in the world.

Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca - Malta

Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca became President of the Republic of Malta on April 1st, 2014. Aged 57, she is the second woman to become president of the Maltese archipelago which includes eight islands. She became a member of the Chamber of Deputies back in 1998, then she obtained the title of Minister of Family and Social Solidarity in 2013.

For the rest of the article, consult our July issue.