The Council of Women World Leaders is the only organization in the world dedicated solely to women heads of state and government. 

Group of eleven women standing in a formal room with white walls, decorative molding, and flags in the background.

Who We Are

The Council of Women World Leaders is an organization composed of 95 current and former female heads of state and government.

Established in 1996, its mission is to promote good governance, enhance the experience of democracy, and increase the visibility of women who lead at the highest levels.

  • "For all to benefit, gender equality must be extended to all sectors of society."

    H.E. Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila,
    Former Prime Minister of Zambia

  • "…We need the whole of humanity to produce knowledge and solutions for our current challenges, not just half of it.”

    H.E. Katrín Jakobsdóttir,
    Former Prime Minister of Iceland

Gender Equality in Numbers

Aa snapshot of global progress—and persistent gaps—in the pursuit of gender equality. By highlighting key data, we aim to inform, inspire, and drive accountability among policymakers and institutions. These numbers are not just statistics—they are a call to action for inclusive leadership and meaningful change worldwide

Global Heads of State or Government by Gender (2025)