| Summary |
Annotation At a time when a womanAngela Merkelis arguably the most powerful leader in Europe and anotherHilary Clintonlooks continuously poised for the U. S. presidency, it seems that women have broken through the glass ceiling and begun to populate the highest offices of the political world. Women of Power is a testament to that feat, offering the most comprehensive overview of female presidents and prime ministers to date. Looking at over fifty countries and over seventy women leaders since 1960, Torild Skardherself an experienced politicianexamines how and why these women rose to the top and what their leadership has meant for womens empowerment throughout the latter half of the twentieth century.Skard examines the achievements and life stories of the worlds female leaders up to the current era. She offers nuanced portraits that draw on a number of materials, including many interviews that she conducted herself. All of the women discussed are organized by both chronology and geography, and Skard includes a number of helpful regional chapters that provide an overview and assessment of how different women leaders have come to power in different regions. Overall the book provides a fascinating account of womens empowerment as it has manifested itself at the very top of the political hierarchy. |
