In 2024, a wave of significant political transformations swept across the globe, with women at the forefront of these changes. Female lawmakers from diverse nations shattered barriers and redefined narratives in traditionally male-dominated arenas. From India to Mexico, and Ghana to the UK, here are some remarkable women in politics who made history this year.
Note: The list is presented in reverse chronological order.
Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang: First Female Vice President of Ghana
On December 9, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang was elected as Ghana’s Vice President, marking her as the first woman to hold this office. She ran alongside President-elect John Dramani Mahama, and her election has been hailed as a significant step forward for gender representation in Ghana’s political landscape. With a postgraduate degree in English Literature, Opoku-Agyemang previously made history as Ghana’s first female Vice-Chancellor of a public university, leading the University of Cape Coast from 2008. She is celebrated for her commitment to education, transformative reforms, and gender equity.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah: Namibia’s First Female President
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was inaugurated as Namibia’s first female President on December 3, 2024. A member of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo) since her youth, she played a vital role in the anti-apartheid movement against South Africa’s control over Namibia.
Susie Wiles: USA’s First Female White House Chief of Staff
On November 7, the President-elect of the United States appointed Susie Wiles as the first female White House Chief of Staff. The 67-year-old political strategist from Florida has been pivotal to numerous political campaigns, including that of Donald Trump, and has advised leaders associated with the Republican Party for decades.
Sarah McBride: First Trans Person Elected to the US Congress
In November, Sarah McBride made history as the first openly transgender person elected to the US Congress, representing Delaware. She has a well-established platform focused on affordable child care, family leave, housing, and healthcare. McBride’s political journey includes being the first openly transgender individual to address a major political convention in 2016 and subsequently becoming the first trans state senator in 2020.
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo: Mexico’s First Female President
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo was sworn in as Mexico’s first female president in October 2024, a historic moment celebrated by crowds chanting “Presidenta!” Sheinbaum previously served as the Head of Government for Mexico City and is a trained scientist with a doctorate in energy engineering.
Rachel Reeves: UK’s First Female Finance Minister
Rachel Reeves made history in July 2024 by becoming the Vice Chancellor of the Exchequer, the first woman to hold this 800-year-old position. Her appointment by Prime Minister Keir Starmer marked a notable advancement for gender equality in the UK government. Reeves has a background as an economist with the Bank of England and has been involved in politics since the age of 16.
Sanjna Jatav: Youngest Dalit MP in India
At just 25 years old, Sanjna Jatav emerged as the youngest Dalit Member of Parliament in India in June 2024. Representing Bharatpur, Rajasthan, she is a Congress leader with a law degree and has demonstrated exceptional oratory skills, gaining attention for her clear vision on party platforms.
Priyanka Jarikholi: Youngest Tribal MP in India
Priyanka Jarikholi, aged 27, made history as the youngest Member of Parliament from a tribal community in India. She represents Chikkodi, Karnataka, in a seat reserved for women and is known for her political lineage, being the daughter of an influential politician.
Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke: Youngest Maori Lawmaker in New Zealand
Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke was recognized as New Zealand’s youngest Maori MP in November 2023. She gained prominence for her representation of indigenous culture, performing traditional dances in Parliament, and emphasizing the significance of identity and traditions in governance.
