Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first female prime minister and a key political figure for over three decades, passed away at 79, leaving a complex legacy of democracy, controversy, and resilience amid Bangladesh's turbulent political landscape, with her son Tarique Rahman poised to lead the BNP in the upcoming elections.
The US has announced it will consider global candidates for the next UN Secretary-General, emphasizing merit over regional rotation, which may upset Latin American countries expecting their turn for leadership. The race, starting with nominations from member states, also faces growing calls for a female leader, with some countries nominating prominent women, while Russia emphasizes merit over gender. The final decision involves the Security Council and the General Assembly, with regional and gender considerations influencing the process.
Sanae Takaichi, a conservative Japanese politician and potential future prime minister, is celebrated for her humble beginnings and traditional values, with supporters highlighting her softer side and dedication to economic and nationalist policies, despite concerns over her hardline views and social conservatism.
The article argues that Kamala Harris was set up to fail in her 2024 presidential bid due to systemic issues like the glass cliff phenomenon, where women are appointed to leadership roles in crises and are unfairly blamed for failures. It criticizes Biden's handling of his campaign and suggests that Harris's loss was influenced by her being undermined and not given enough support, highlighting the broader challenges women face in leadership roles.
Claudia Sheinbaum has made history as Mexico's first female and first Jewish president. Although she identifies as culturally Jewish and not religiously observant, her election is significant for the Jewish community in Latin America. Sheinbaum's background as a physicist and climate scientist, along with her secular upbringing, has shaped her political career. Her presidency is expected to bring greater awareness to the history and contributions of Jews in Mexico.
Mitsuko Tottori, a former flight attendant, will become the first female president of Japan Airlines in April, aiming to address safety concerns following a recent collision. With a career shaped by a deadly 1985 accident, she emphasizes the importance of safety and intends to serve as a role model for female employees. Tottori's experience in safety policies and field operations has been cited as a reason for her appointment, as she vows to prioritize safety and service in her new role.
Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum has resigned to seek the ruling party's presidential nomination, aiming to become the country's first female leader in the election scheduled for next year. Sheinbaum is one of the favorites for the nomination, with most opinion polls giving her a slight advantage over her rival Marcelo Ebrard. Morena is heavily favored to win the 2024 presidential election, and Sheinbaum has pledged to continue President López Obrador's "transformation" of Mexico.