More Than Just a Seat: Have Women Redefined Power at the Top?

For decades, the fight for women at the top was about securing a seat at the table. We cheered as the glass ceiling cracked and more women ascended to leadership roles. But now, with a growing number of women in influential positions, a crucial question arises: is it MORE THAN JUST A SEAT? Are women simply occupying existing power structures, or are they fundamentally redefining what power means and how it's wielded? This article examines whether female leadership is truly transforming organizational culture, decision-making processes, and societal norms, or if more profound shifts are yet to come.

More Than Just a Seat: Have Women Redefined Power at the Top? Confident Leaders Collaborate

 

“Women in power!”
A phrase we've often heard, yet, until recently, it seemed more like a slogan than a reality. However, in 2025, this expression takes on a new significance. The political landscape is witnessing an increasing number of women ascending to the highest levels of office. While true gender parity remains a distant goal, notable strides have been made in several countries.

2024: A Pivotal Year for Female Leadership

In 2024, five women were elected presidents through direct suffrage a modest yet hopeful figure. Among them, three made history by becoming the first women to lead their respective nations: Mexico, Namibia, and North Macedonia.

Claudia Sheinbaum: A Historic First for Mexico

On October 1, 2024, Claudia Sheinbaum was sworn in as Mexico's first female president. A scientist by training and former mayor of Mexico City, she won the election with nearly 60% of the vote. In her inaugural speech, she declared, “I am not alone; we all arrived,” symbolizing the collective advancement of women in politics. Sheinbaum also became the first Jewish person to hold Mexico's highest office.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah: A Trailblazer in Namibia

On March 21, 2025, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was inaugurated as Namibia's first female president, marking the country's 35th anniversary of independence. At 72, this veteran of the SWAPO liberation movement pledged to diversify the economy, combat youth unemployment, and uphold good governance. Her cabinet appointments reflected a commitment to gender parity, with women holding several key positions.

Halla Tómasdóttir: A Visionary Leader in Iceland

On August 1, 2024, Halla Tómasdóttir became Iceland's second female president. A former business leader and advocate for gender equality, she promotes a leadership style centered on well-being and environmental sustainability. Tómasdóttir calls for a "modernization" of capitalism, emphasizing transparency and regulation.

Persistent Challenges

Despite these advancements, women continue to be underrepresented in the highest echelons of power. As of 2025, only 25 women serve as heads of state or government worldwide. Europe leads with 12 countries governed by women, while 106 nations have yet to elect a female head of state.

Furthermore, the proportion of women ministers has slightly declined, from 23.3% in 2024 to 22.9% in 2025. This decrease is attributed to reduced female representation in 64 countries, with only 62 experiencing an increase in female representation.

A Beacon of Hope

The rise of these women to their nations' highest offices in 2025 is an encouraging sign. They bring fresh perspectives and different priorities, often focusing on well-being, equality, and sustainability. While the journey toward parity is ongoing, these developments indicate that change is underway.