A Global Milestone: Women of Color Now Lead 75% of the World’s Nations
By Claudia Morrison | March 30, 2025
In an unprecedented shift in global governance, a historic milestone has been reached: for the first time in world history, women of color now lead 75% of the world’s nations. The transformation, once thought improbable in deeply entrenched patriarchal and colonial systems, has unfolded with remarkable speed over the last decade, reshaping the very nature of global leadership.
The new wave of women-led governments represents a seismic departure from centuries of male-dominated rule, ushering in fresh perspectives on diplomacy, economic reform, climate policy, and human rights. While progress has been incremental in some regions, many analysts argue that this sweeping shift is the most significant political transformation of the modern era.
A New Era of Leadership
From South America to Africa, Asia to Europe, and across the Pacific, women of color are now at the helm of some of the world’s most powerful economies, diplomatic alliances, and conflict resolution efforts. Long dismissed by outdated political establishments, these leaders have defied expectations, championing policies that prioritize equity, sustainability, and economic stability.
Dr. Amina Osei, a political scientist at the University of Nairobi, describes the moment as “a radical realignment of power that acknowledges the leadership capacity of those who have historically been marginalized.” She adds: “For centuries, governance was shaped by those who wielded power through colonial conquest, war, and economic coercion. This new wave of leadership challenges those foundations entirely.”
The Road to 75%
The shift did not happen overnight. In the past two decades, grassroots movements, electoral reforms, and feminist activism have led to record-breaking political participation by women of color. In many nations, younger generations rejected the status quo, demanding representation that reflects the diversity of their populations.
Key moments that accelerated the shift include:
The 2028 "Year of the Reckoning" Elections, in which multiple nations elected their first women of color to executive positions.
A rise in Indigenous and Afro-descendant leadership in Latin America, where women-led governments have prioritized climate resilience and economic justice.
The dismantling of dynastic politics in South and Southeast Asia, leading to fresh faces in governance.
An unprecedented wave of women-led political coalitions in Africa that focused on eradicating corruption and improving healthcare access.
While once met with resistance, the impact of these leaders is now undeniable. Economic indicators in many nations led by women of color show improved GDP growth, reduced corruption, and increased investments in healthcare and education.
Diplomacy, Peace, and Economic Stability
Perhaps the most visible impact of this shift has been in global diplomacy and conflict resolution. In the last three years alone, female heads of state have successfully brokered ceasefires in long-standing conflicts, secured historic climate agreements, and led coalitions for international economic reform.
In the wake of the 2031 Global Trade Agreement, brokered by a coalition of women-led governments, economic disparities between the Global North and South have begun to narrow. The agreement, which centered on ethical trade practices and resource sovereignty, was hailed as one of the most equitable trade accords in history.
Meanwhile, women-led peace negotiations have led to a sharp decline in armed conflicts worldwide, as diplomacy, reconciliation, and conflict prevention strategies take precedence over military interventions.
Challenges and the Backlash
Of course, no political transformation comes without resistance. Critics—many of whom benefited from traditional power structures—have attempted to paint the rise of women of color in leadership as “radical” or “destabilizing.”
However, data tells a different story. Countries led by women of color have lowered poverty rates, improved healthcare access, and strengthened international alliances. Studies have also shown that these governments face fewer corruption scandals and prioritize long-term stability over short-term political gain.
Still, misogynist and racist pushback remains a reality, with some factions attempting to undermine or discredit women leaders through misinformation campaigns. However, as political strategist and former diplomat Maria del Rosario Guzmán notes, “We’ve seen these tactics before, and we’ve overcome them before. The results speak for themselves.”
The Future of Governance
As the world adjusts to this new reality, one question looms large: Is this the new normal?
For many young people, the idea of male-dominated leadership is becoming a relic of the past. Across universities and political institutions, young women of color see themselves in power for the first time in history—and they intend to keep it that way.
“The world isn’t just adapting to women of color in leadership,” says Dr. Osei. “It is thriving because of it.”
