Women's Leadership

Forty. That's the number of countries around the world that have chosen a woman to lead since Julia Gillard was ousted on June 27, 2013. In the past year alone, Sweden, Tunisia, Samoa and Estonia all elected their first female prime ministers while Tanzania, Honduras and Barbados chose women as their presidents.

This month, Germany's Angela Merkel handed over the reins after four consecutive terms as chancellor — 16 years and 16 days to be precise, just 10 days shy of a record.

Australians want to see more women in politics, new research has found. The research - conducted by Women for Election, an organisation which provides support and training to women wanting to enter politics - found 69 per cent of people surveyed agreed more diversity in politics would lead to better outcomes for everyone.

Despite representing more than half the population, women are currently under-represented at all levels of Australian government

There are fewer women in politics in the Pacific Islands than in any other part of the world, according to UN Women. But this year Samoa elected a woman as its head of government - only the second Pacific Island nation to do so - thanks in part to a network of women friends who supported her every step of the way.

Women are still under-represented in Parliament. Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Rosy Akbar made the remark in her response to President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere’s Parliament opening address. “I emphasise that we, as a people, must take steps to ensure that our women are fully empowered to actively participate in our economy,” Ms Akbar said.