Most powerful female leaders

As South Africa celebrates Women’s Day, we pay tribute to five of the most powerful women who have shown that one did not have to be a man to succeed.

1. Angela Merkel

Angela Merkel is the German Chancellor, who heavily influences the economy of European Union. Germany is the world’s fifth largest economy powerhouse and is the largest led by a woman. She has also taken the lead in Europe by supporting refugees fleeing regions across the Middle East, northern Africa and other war ravaged countries.

2. Hillary Clinton

Love her or hate her, Hillary Clinton has been a force to be reckoned with in the political world. As First Lady, U.S. Senator and a candidate for the U.S. Presidency, she has proven that women are just as capable of making a difference within their country as a leader, as their male counterparts.

3. Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner

Elected as Argentina’s first female president, Cristina Fernande de Kirchner governs the second largest country in South America and has done a sterling job at it. Through her efforts, Argentia has grown stronger, as she has shown women are capable of leading country through political turmoil to achieve economic growth.

4. Queen Elizabeth II

The very image of nobility, Queen Elizabeth ascended to the throne on February 6, 1952 and is queen to the United Kingdom,Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Head of the Commonwealth.

Through out the years, Queen Elizabeth has shown how a woman can lead not one, but three countries and the entire commonwealth. She is also the only living head of state who actively served in World War II.

5. Joan of Arc

Born into a peasant family, Joan of Arc is considered a heroine in France for her role in release the country from English rule. While she was eventually handed over to the English, who then burned her at the stake, her memory lives on as a woman who physically fought and bled for her country.