The 5 Most Powerful Women on the Globe

Worldwide, women have come a long way in terms of social and economic mobility. As compared to decades ago, when a woman's place was in the home, shut out from positions of power.

Women today enjoy greater freedom and rights. They have access to education and employment. In some countries, they even have increased visibility in politics, traditionally a male-dominated sphere. The Woman Post chose the five most powerful women in the world that make history as role models and excellent leaders.

1. Angela Merkel

Merkel is the Chancellor of Germany, Europe's largest economy. In 1991, the politician was appointed Federal Minister for Women and Youth under Chancellor Helmut Kohl. A few years later, Merkel was promoted to Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. In 2005, in a special election, Merkel narrowly defeated Gerhard Schröder's Social Democratic Party, becoming Germany's first female Chancellor. The icon has kept her leadership style modest, but she has edged Germany into a more assertive role since 2005.

2. Christine Lagarde

The French politician is the President of the European Central Bank. The people who work with her highlight her adaptability in all areas, which she has demonstrated in power and the French high administration. Before being the first managing director of the International Monetary Fund, Lagarde was also the first woman to head the firm Baker & McKenzie and the Prime Minister of Economic Affairs of the G8. Recently, the organization Women in a Legal World gave their award for Woman of the Year to Lagarde for being an example of leadership, promoting initiatives and solutions, as well as diversity and equality.

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3. Nancy Pelosi

The American politician is the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. She is considered the professional with the highest political rank in Washington and the most powerful woman in the United States. The President of the House of Representatives of Congress is the third most important in the country after President and Vice President's positions. Pelosi made history by becoming the first woman in that position.

4. Nirmala Sitharaman

Sitharaman is the Minister of Finance of India. She was a spokesperson for the government's Indian People's Party and former Minister of Commerce. The politician is the second woman to become a Minister of Finance after Indira Gandhi in India. She is also the first female to be appointed as a full-time Minister of Defence in her country. Hailing from Tamil Nadu, she did her graduation in 1984 from The Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi. Sitharaman did her Ph.D. from the London School of Economics while working as a salesgirl at a home décor store. Thanks to her hard work and resilience, now she's one of the most powerful women in the world.

5. Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II is the matriarch of the most famous family in the world. Elizabeth owns all the whales, dolphins, surgeons, and porpoises within 3 miles of the United Kingdom Shores. She's also the commander-in-chief of her Majesty's Armed Forces. The crown owns about 6.6 billion acres of land across the UK and the Commonwealth. The Queen is a symbol of national identity, unity, and pride.

Female leaders can change girls' aspirations by undertaking policies that make it easier for them to succeed or by merely proving a role model of a successful woman. These five female leaders have the potential to shape future generations for girls to aspire to leadership positions, which could potentially help in bridging the gender gap in positions of power.