As International Women’s Day 2025 approaches, the world takes a moment to honor the resilience, intelligence, and leadership of women. Women have long fought for their rightful place in politics, breaking barriers and redefining governance. Today, more women than ever before hold top positions of power across the globe, shaping policies, inspiring change, and driving progress.
While leadership has historically been male-dominated, the tides are shifting. Women are now heads of state, prime ministers, and global decision-makers. In this article, we explore the rise of women in leadership, their impact in the digital age, and the future of female leaders.
A Global Shift: Women Leaders Around the World
The map above shows countries with female heads of state and government. Female leaders are making their mark across the globe, from Mexico to Italy, India, Sri Lanka, and the European Union. These women bring fresh perspectives, champion social justice, and navigate complex global issues. Yet, their journeys are not without struggles, as many still face public scrutiny, gender biases, and immense pressure to prove their competence in a traditionally male-dominated arena.
How Women Leaders Are Shaping Global Politics and Digital Spaces
Women leaders today are not only shaping national and global policies but also making a profound impact in the digital space. These leaders, each with a unique background, are redefining governance by focusing on progressive policies and active engagement with the public. From leading economic reforms to advocating for social justice, they are building a legacy of transformation. Through platforms like social media, they are addressing key issues, engaging citizens, and influencing global conversations. Using Kommon Poll, we track digital conversations to understand how these influential women are driving political discourse while maintaining a strong digital presence. Our latest data highlights how women leaders are shaping the future of governance and digital engagement.
Mexican President – Claudia Sheinbaum
Claudia Sheinbaum made history in 2024 as Mexico’s first female president. A physicist and environmental scientist turned politician, she built her career on climate policies and progressive governance, previously serving as Mayor of Mexico City. Sheinbaum maintains a strong digital presence, with recent engagement levels of 7.5K mentions, a 152.8K influence score, 145.2M social reach, and 389.3K interactions. These spikes are driven by key events such as the repatriation request of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, the Sinaloa cartel leader, who sought to avoid a U.S. death sentence by returning to Mexico. Additionally, her statements commemorating the execution of Aztec emperor Cuauhtémoc, emphasizing the importance of recognizing historical events that shape national identity, and her call for Spain to apologize for the atrocities committed during the Spanish conquest have further fueled public attention and online engagement.
Indian President – Droupadi Murmu
Droupadi Murmu made history in 2022 as India’s 15th president, becoming the first tribal woman to hold the office. A member of the Santhal tribal community, she rose through the political ranks after serving as the Governor of Jharkhand, advocating for education, indigenous rights, and rural development. President Murmu’s digital presence has recently surged to 1.1B in social reach, driven by key diplomatic and national engagements. Notable moments include her meeting with Qatar’s Emir, strengthening international relations, and her visit to Gujarat where she honored Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity. Her participation in the Gujarat convocational ceremonies and other significant events further amplified her online influence and engagement.
Italy’s Prime Minister – Giorgia Meloni
Giorgia Meloni made history in 2022 as Italy’s first female prime minister, leading the Brothers of Italy party with a focus on economic recovery, immigration policies, and Italy’s global standing. Known for her conservative and nationalist views, Meloni has reshaped Italy’s political landscape by championing traditional values, national sovereignty, and European reform. Her recent digital engagement has surged, with a social reach of 83.5 million and 374.8K interactions. Key moments include her keynote speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, D.C., where she addressed U.S. foreign policy and domestic issues, and her critical stance on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s leadership, which sparked significant online discussions and further boosted her digital presence.
Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister – Harini Amarasuriya
Harini Amarasuriya, Sri Lanka’s third female prime minister, follows in the footsteps of Sirimavo Bandaranaike, the world’s first female PM. With a background as a university professor and human rights activist, she is committed to social justice, youth empowerment, and economic reform. Prime Minister Amarasuriya’s digital presence has recently surged to 7.4 million in social reach, driven by her presentation of the 2025 national budget, her focus on transparency regarding former presidents’ foreign expenses, and her prioritization of higher education for special needs children and the disability community. These initiatives have significantly boosted her online engagement and influence.
European Commission President – Ursula von der Leyen
Ursula von der Leyen made history in 2019 as the first woman to lead the European Commission. A trained physician and former German Defense Minister, she took charge during a crucial time, overseeing responses to global crises, economic recovery, and climate policy. As a key figure behind the European Green Deal, digital transformation, and EU foreign policy, she has reinforced the EU’s global influence. Recently, her digital presence surged with 7,500 mentions and a reach of 70.5 million, driven by her visit to India to finalize a free trade agreement, discussions on strengthening EU-India relations, and her leadership at the Munich Security Conference, where she addressed global security challenges and the Ukraine conflict. Her statements on digital transformation further amplified her online visibility.
Thailand Prime Minister – Paetongtarn Shinawatra
Paetongtarn Shinawatra made history in 2024 as Thailand’s youngest prime minister and the second woman to hold the position, continuing her family’s political legacy while forging her own path. Paetongtarn has recently gained significant digital traction, with a social reach of 4.2M, driven by her participation in high-profile meetings and official visits. Key events such as discussions on Uyghur refugees, internet scams, and resolving a conflict involving Cambodian nationals spiked engagement. Her upcoming diplomatic visit to Cambodia, key speeches, and a meeting with her father, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, have further amplified her online presence, significantly increasing her digital footprint.
The Future of Women in Power
While female leaders continue to rise, they face gendered challenges and systemic barriers. However, the digital age is amplifying their voices. Social media platforms now serve as vital tools for women leaders to connect with the public, reshape narratives, and influence global discourse. As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we recognize the courage, intelligence, and determination of these women who are stepping into the highest positions of power.
To every woman breaking barriers and leading nations: the world is watching, and history is being written in your name. Happy International Women’s Day!
