Women have held political power throughout history. Until the 20th century, most female leaders inherited their positions. From ancient Egypt to modern Britain, a woman whose father, brother or son sat on a royal throne might rule as a birthright. Or she might be barred from it. Outside of royalty, the rise of women to ruling positions often still depended upon their relationships with men, particularly husbands. Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka, the first woman elected to lead a country, became prime minister in 1960, following her husband's assassination. Juan Peron's third wife, Isabel Peron, was Argentina's vice-President during his second term, and succeeded him as President after his death in 1974. In the last decade, democracies all over the world have chosen female leaders with few or no family ties to political life.

Taken together, female leaders have little in common with each other. Some have brought peace to troubled lands, while others have strewn discontent. Some have been competent or brilliant, others inept or corrupt. Some enormously popular, others ousted. They come from political positions ranging from arch-Conservative to ultra-leftist, represent all the world's religions, have been war mongerers and peace bringers. All that can be said with certainty is that they have been women in charge.