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Around the world, antidemocratic forces are taking aim at women leaders. Misogynistic authoritarianism has entered the mainstream, seeking to reverse decades of progress. Weaponized digital technologies have unleashed sexualized smears and violent threats. There is a deep connection between attacks on women and attacks on democracy—and female leaders can show us how to fight back.
Linda Robinson—an award-winning journalist and foreign policy expert—tells the powerful stories of the women on the frontlines of the battle between democracy and authoritarianism. Despite age-old obstacles and virulent new dangers, these remarkable leaders have strengthened their countries, expanded gender equality, and promoted policies that benefit all. Tsai Ing-wen crafted a strategy to defend Taiwan from Chinese aggression while advancing social reforms. Estonia’s Kaja Kallas and Moldova’s Maia Sandu fought Russian hybrid warfare by pursuing European integration. Balkan leaders Vjosa Osmani and Nataša Pirc Musar bolstered their democracies against Serbian and Russian destabilization. Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados became a global champion for climate justice, rising above sexist attacks to achieve international financial reforms. Robinson distills the hard-won lessons of these and other recent leaders—including New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern, Finland’s Sanna Marin, and Sigrid Kaag of the Netherlands—providing a roadmap for countries facing existential threats. Timely and vivid, this book spotlights women’s leadership amid the global crisis of democracy.
— Jenna Ben-Yehuda, executive vice president of the Atlantic Council
Linda Robinson, an intrepid journalist and a trailblazer in her own right, profiles women from Asia, Latin America, Africa, the Caribbean, and Europe who have demonstrated courage and dedication to democratic values. She highlights the factors that led to their success and leaves the reader convinced that it is women who can save democracy worldwide. This is a book for all men and women who want to better understand how female leaders make history.
— Evelyn N. Farkas, executive director of the McCain Institute at Arizona State University
Robinson has written a compelling and persuasive book that shows how important women are to the efforts to combat extremism and authoritarianism. She issues a clarion call for gender equality, not for its sake alone but because we need both men’s and women’s full presence and participation to solve the world’s challenges.
— Laura Liswood, secretary general of the Council of Women World Leaders and author of Women World Leaders: Fifteen Great Politicians Tell Their Stories
In this moment of creeping authoritarianism around the world, Robinson uncovers how extremist forces are driving women out of leadership. More importantly, she reveals the strategies women leaders are using to navigate this new landscape, offering hope not just to promote women’s equality but to restore democracy. Women in Power offers inspiration from women leaders for a world where all people can thrive.
— Barbara McQuade, professor from practice, University of Michigan Law School, and former US attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan
A must-read for all who are concerned about the rise of authoritarianism and the vicious attacks on women’s leadership. By showcasing the experiences of women political leaders, Robinson debunks the stereotype that only men can lead in challenging times. Women political leaders, she demonstrates, have the winning formula for defending democracy—governing for all and advancing gender equality.
— Geeta Rao Gupta, former US ambassador-at-large for global women’s issues
Introduction
1. The Tandem Crisis of Democracy and Women’s Leadership
2. Mainstreaming the Far Right and Violent Misogyny
3. Technology’s Disproportionate Toll on Women Politicians
4. The Role Model Effect of Women Leaders
5. Tsai Ing-wen: Confronting China’s Aggression Against Taiwan
6. Maia Sandu: Defending Moldova from Russia’s Hybrid Warfare
7. Kaja Kallas: Stiffening Europe’s Defenses Against Russia
8. Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu: Building Democracy in Serbia’s Shadow
9. Nataša Pirc Musar: Reducing Conflict at Home and Abroad
10. Mia Amor Mottley: Advancing Climate Justice and International Reform
11. Women and Democracy
Acknowledgments
Notes
Index