15 Past & Present Black Women Presidents/Prime Ministers Around The World

Election day is here! This year will be another one for the history books as Kamala Harris has high chances of becoming America’s first woman and woman of color President. As we’ve seen in past elections, there have been many women and Black women who have ran for president, Shirley Chisholm and Hilary Clinton, so this year could be when the this monumental step actually happens! Kamala Harris has a proven track record of breaking barriers. Her tenure as California’s Attorney General and as a U.S. Senator has demonstrated her commitment to justice, equality, and the American people. Becoming the first woman and Black woman Vice President of the United States, our country is on the path in making history again!

Aslo See: 6 Black Women Who Have Run For President

Also See: 10 Black Women Who Have Helped Shape U.S. Foreign Policy

Being a women and the head of person in charge isn’t a revolutionary thing in many other countries. There are many women who have held the position of Prime Minister or President throughout history around the world. Before we get into who these ladies are, a question that may come to mind is, what is the difference between a Prime Minister and a President?

The Difference Between A President and A Prime Minister

According to peo.gov, the Prime minister and president lead their countries but their roles are different. A president usually refers to the head of state of a country that is a republic, which means the people of the country hold elections to vote for the person in this position. There are term limits for a President but not necessarily for the Prime Minister. A prime minister is the leader of the government of a country with a parliamentary system. The Prime Minister is selected by the political party or coalition of parties that win the majority of seats in the parliament.

Continue scrolling below for Black Women around the world who have achieved the highest position in their country’s government.

Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania

Samia Suluhu Hassan became the President of Tanzania on March 19, 2021, following the untimely demise of President John Magufuli. Her assumption of office marked a historic moment as she became the first female president in the country’s history.

Sahle-Work Zewde, President of Ethiopia

 Sahle-Work Zewde, served as Ethiopia‘s first female president. Since assuming office in October 2018 and concluding on October 7, 2024, Sahle-Work has been a beacon of hope and a symbol of progressive change.

Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados

Mia Mottley has been serving as the Prime Minister of Barbados since May 25, 2018. Her election was a historic moment, as she became the first woman to hold this esteemed position in Barbados.

Rose Christiane Raponda, Prime Minster of Gabon

Rose Christiane Raponda made history once again when she was appointed as Gabon‘s first female Prime Minister by President Ali Bongo Ondimba in 2020 and served until January 2023.

Judith Suminwa, Prime Minister of Democratic Republic of the Congo

Judith Suminwa became the first female prime minister of Democratic Republic of the Congo in June of 2024.

Elisabeth Domitien, Prime Minister of Central African Republic

Elisabeth Domitien was appointed to the Prime Minister of Central African Republic on January 2, 1975, by President Jean-Bédel Bokassa. She broke through societal barriers being the first woman prime minister. Her tenure lasted until 1976. No other woman has been the Prime Minister in the Central African Republic since her service.

Catherine Samba-Panza, President of Central African Republic

Catherine Samba-Panza‘s ascent to the presidency of the Central African Republic came at a time when the nation was grappling with severe political instability. Born in Chad and raised in the Central African Republic. She was elected as interim president on January 23, 2014 and became the first woman President of Central African Republic.

Agathe Uwilingiyimana, Prime Minister of Rwanda

Agathe Uwilingiyimana was appointed Rwanda‘s Prime Minister in 1993. Her appointment marked a historic moment as she became the first woman to hold this position in Rwanda. Agathe served as Prime Minister for less than a year, as her tenure began on July 17, 1993 and ended tragically on April 7, 1994.

Mame Madior Boye, Prime Minister of Senegal

Mame Madior Boye‘s appointment was more than a personal achievement; it was a victory for all women, especially in Senegal. Before Boye, no woman had held the position of Prime Minister in the country. She held position from March 3, 2001 and her term ended in 2002 but she was not the last.

Aminata Touré, Prime Minister of Senegal

Aminata Touré, known fondly as “Mimi, serving as the Prime Minister of Senegal from September 1, 2013, to July 4, 2014. Following in the footsteps of Mame Madior Boye.

Maria do Carmo Silveira, Prime Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe

Maria do Carmo Silveira made history when she was elected as the Prime Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe. Her election marked a significant milestone in the political landscape of the country, as she became one of the few women to hold such a high office. Her tenure as Prime Minister began on June 8, 2005. concluded on 21 April 2006.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf served as President of Liberia from January 16, 2006, to January 22, 2018. Her election marked a historic moment, not only for Liberia but for Africa as a whole as she became the continent’s first democratically elected woman head of state.

Portia Simpson-Miller, Prime Minister of Jamaica

Portia Simpson-Miller‘s was Jamaica‘s first woman Prime Minister. She served as the Prime Minister of Jamaica in two non-consecutive terms, first from March 30, 2006, to September 11, 2007, and again from January 5, 2012, to March 3, 2016.

Michèle Pierre-Louis, Prime Minister of Haiti

Michèle Pierre-Louis served as the Prime Minister of Haiti for a brief yet impactful period, from September 2008 to November 2009. She was only the second woman to occupy this role, following Claudette Werleigh, who served from 1995 to 1996.

Paula-Mae Weekes, President of Trinidad and Tobago

Paula-Mae Weekes made history by becoming the first female President of Trinidad and Tobago. She served as President from March 19, 2018, to March 20, 2023, completing a full five-year term.

Each of these Black women are not only leaders, they are trailblazers! Hopefully Kamala Harris will be the next Black woman added to this list.

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This article was written with help from Jasper.

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