First woman to become leader of your nation

[Yogluwia]

Empress Remislaua (r.1478-1514) was the 5th ruler of a united Yogluwia, Inheriting her throne from her first husband, Vsislau. Female monarchs were rather rare at this time in Europe, but nonetheless were possible under Yogluwia's succession system.

Her reign saw her remembered as "Remislaua the Great" for her financial contributions to culture, such as architectural marvels like Seilem Castle and Holy Theophany Cathedral in Ozma as well as the first Yogluwian renaissance-style painter Andrau Damerozgi, The establishment of Yogluwia's oldest standing alliance (with Sweden), and victory in 2 wars.

[Alta Californians]

Who was she: Mary Shellingham
How did she become leader: The 1975 General election, as the head of the Federalists, a now dead party.
Was it a significant milestone at the time, or were female leaders considered normal through your nations history?: Well, since one term is 6 years, and one can serve 2 terms, and since she was our 7th president, not really in the sense that she was a woman, although many Women were MP's. More in the sense that she ended the debt started in 1955 by our 5th president, and really presided and boosted California's emergance.
No legal or cultural reasons not to, but we simply didn't have many leaders, that's why.

[Isra the Veiled]

Myself, Isra the Veiled, is the first and only female ruler of the lands I wander.

[Charellia]

Charellia's first female Chief Executor was Annabelle Teleneid, who served three terms between 1988 and 2000. Previously she had served as the first female Head of National Council from 1982-1986. Teleneid was a trailblazer, having entered politics in the early 1970s when government was overwhelmingly male dominated. Teleneid first rose to national prominence as a young law student during the 1965 Adede University riots. As president of the Constitutionalist Society, she had been heavily involved in pro-democratic reform activism on the campus and became a darling of the local media. Soft-spoken but charismatic, she frequently represented the reformers in interviews and debates, and presented an appealing counterpoint to the government's claims that the protesters were merely extremists. Although the exact sequence of events that led to the deadly clash between pro and anti-reform protesters on the night of November 26 is hotly disputed to this day, it is known that Teleneid was injured early in the fighting. She famously gave an interview from the local hospital pleading for a stop to the fighting, and although it was to no avail, it likely contributed to her being one of the few student organizers not to be expelled. In her autobiography, Teleneid would later describe the riots as the greatest disillusionment of her career.

After the riots, Teleneid cut all ties with the reform movement, however in 1969 she found herself at the centre of yet another political firestorm, this time as part of a legal aid society defending the owner of a radio station charged with sedition in Lortaen province. Again, she proved herself a master at navigating controversy and her eloquent speeches in defence of liberty led her to become a rallying point in the ensuing national protests, and her calls for non-violence won her the grudging respect of even conservative leaders. In May, Teleneid travelled to Union City with a number of other free-speech activists and participate in a number of rallies in the lead-up to the resignations of the both the Chief Executor and Head of National Council.

In 1970, Teleneid formally entered politics, being elected to represent Lortaen on the National Council. To the surprise of many, she chose to run for the ruling Federation Party, whose leaders she had been instrumental in opposing, rather than the United Liberal Party or Democratic Socialist Party which were supported by most of her contemporaries. Indeed the Federation Party was devastated in the 1970 election, and Teleneid became one of their few representatives on the National Council. Teleneid remained in this office for the next 18 years, including four in the position of Executive Liaison, and four as the Head of the National Council before resigning her seat to become Chief Executor.

Although Teleneid was actually quite conservative in her politics throughout her later career, there is no doubt that she brought about a considerable change in the fabric of the nation. When she first entered politics, women made up only 10% of the national council, but made up 40% at the time of her retirement.

[Hamidiye]

So far: none. Fortunately.

[HUElavia]

The first female leader of HUElavia was President Maria Santos Leite, who was elected in October 1962. This was unprecedented, since only 5 women had held public office throughout HUElavian history, and HUElavia was a more patriarchal society, both socially and politically.

About 45% of HUElavians were skeptical at first, but her executive orders to increase tourism and to develop a space agency had not only created more employment, but also advances in Technology had caused for her popularity to skyrocket and she was elected for two more terms until she had personally chose to resign in order to give other people a chance and keep political freedoms high in the country.

After her presidency, there has been 3 other Female Presidents, and a good portion of city mayors and state governors are female. President Santos Leite's time caused HUElavia to have more representation by women in public office, as well as higher voting turnouts.

[Ceroem]

- Who was she? - Although the first monarch was Elizabeth I, who reigned from 1242 until 1249, the first female Prime Minister was Jessica Cohen, leader of the now defunct Democratic Party, who led the country from 1986 until 1996. She was also the first, and last, female Leader of the Democratic Party, first female to hold one of the five High Offices of Ceroem, and first Jewish person to become Prime Minister. She was the longest serving Democratic Prime Minister, and won a record three elections in a row, however only gaining a majority in one of these. She wished to continue to lead the Democrats following their 1996 defeat, but triggered a leadership election to secure her mandate, which she lost. She did not join the Democrats' succesor, the DNP, and retired from politics in 2001.

- How did she become leader? - The general election of 1986, in which the Democrats won a majority government without the support of the FLP for the first time.

- Was it a significant milestone at the time, or were female leaders considered normal throughout your nation's entire history? - Yes. Up until Cohen was appointed as Social Security Secretary in 1973, at the young age of 28, no woman had ever held a full cabinet position, although many had been junior ministers and few had attended cabinet. Her appointment as Finance Secretary in 1975 was the first time a woman had held one of the High Offices of Ceroem. However, she was not the first female leader of a major political party, as Henrietta Boyce had led the Free Liberal Party from 1981 - 1986

- Does (or did) your nation's culture have any taboos against female leaders? - Up until the end of the 18th century, women had virtually no rights in Ceroem if they were married. Ceroem's societal norms dictated that until a woman was married, she was independent and worthy of the same rights as a man, but should they become married to a man, which in the eyes of society and the law was greater than a woman, they relinquish these rights. Therefore, a married woman as a leader would be considered totally unacceptable, with an unmarried woman less so but still scandalous.

- Has your nation ever had laws preventing women from becoming leader? - Unmarried women were allowed to vote on their own if they owned property and were over the age of 30 from 1789 onwards, however, in 1856 this was extended to all unmarried women over the age of 30. However, women were not allowed to stand as candidates to any bodies aside from parish councils until 1867, in which women were allowed to stand for election to any body. In 1894, all citizens, including women, over the age of 21 were granted the vote, eventually reduced to 18 in 1943 and 16 in 2001

- Did your first female leader face additional obstacles because of her gender alone? (e.g. laws giving preference to male heirs if your nation is a monarchy, cultural beliefs that women don't belong in leadership roles, or just plain old discrimination?). - Cohen, despite having presided over one of the biggest economic recoveries in Ceroemian history as Finance Secretary, was passed over by Democratic MPs for the leadership because they were not convinced of a woman's ability to win a general election (the only woman before to lead a major party in Ceroem led them to losing official party status) and passed her over for Eddie Wallace. When Wallace led the Democrats to their worst defeat at the 1981 election, the rules for the leadership election had changed to include the whole party instead of just MPs. Cohen won on the first ballot with 73%, and led the Democrats to their first majority goverment and two further election wins.

[Le Royaume de Marie]

There was a first female monarch and first female president so I’ll do both as their both leaders.

Describe your nation's first female leader(s).
- Who was she?

Alexandre MacNiell, daughter of former President Joe MacNiell and granddaughter of Richard MacNiell, King of Superior. (MacNiell is one of lRdM’s great houses, they’ll get a factbook eventually.)

- How did she become leader?

She was head of the Libertairian Party and won the general election of 2793.

- Was it a significant milestone at the time, or were female leaders considered normal throughout your nation's entire history?

This was a very significant milestone as women weren’t considered to be eligible for leadership roles. Her father had only daughters so it was thought that the MacNiell family was going to fade into obscurity but she ran for the presidency anyways as a last ditch effort to save her family’s power. Her sister, Marina, took over as Queen of Superior.

- Does (or did) your nation's culture have any taboos against female leaders?

Yes, I’m fact she only leader as the vote was split due the founding of the Nationalist and Unionist Party. She received 42% of the vote.

- Has your nation ever had laws preventing women from becoming leader?

No.

- Did your first female leader face additional obstacles because of her gender alone? (e.g. laws giving preference to male heirs if your nation is a monarchy, cultural beliefs that women don't belong in leadership roles, or just plain old discrimination?).

She faced discrimination due to being female.

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Describe your nation's first female leader(s).
- Who was she?

Queen Louise of Quebec (Back then house Mercuri-Draca we’re only leader of Quebec and lRdM had not yet been founded.)

- How did she become leader?

Her father was King Cruz of Quebec, and she was the oldest daughter, making her Queen as Cruz had no sons.

- Was it a significant milestone at the time, or were female leaders considered normal throughout your nation's entire history?

Female leaders weren’t considered normal, but as she was a monarch and not a politician like Alexandra was, she didn’t face the same discrimination.

- Does (or did) your nation's culture have any taboos against female leaders?

Yes.

- Has your nation ever had laws preventing women from becoming leader?

No.

- Did your first female leader face additional obstacles because of her gender alone? (e.g. laws giving preference to male heirs if your nation is a monarchy, cultural beliefs that women don't belong in leadership roles, or just plain old discrimination?).

No.

[Stormaen]

The current prime minister, Naomi Stewart-York, is also the first female Prime Minister of Stormaen.

The first female head of state was arguably Queen Elizabeth I of England who was on the throne when Stormaen was claimed as a colony for England (though it would be decades before the first permanent English settlers arrived). The first undisputed female head of state was Queen Mary II of England.

The first female governor-general, who is the representative of the monarch in Stormaen, was Dame Geraldine Rutland who served as Governor-General of Stormaen from 1992 until 1999.

[AAngelica]

in our nation the leader must be a man, that is the number one most important thing. we are a monarchy, where the king must produce a male heir otherwise the leadership will pass on to his brother, nephew or cousin , in order to be in the line of possible leadership you must be a man. the queens are only for looks and bearing a male heir ., the queen has no power the king has all the power as it should be.

the leader must be strong, unemotional , religious and a powerful influence




and a woman must be submissive, quiet, compassunate, gentle, good looking and fertile

[AAngelica]

- Who was she? n/a
- How did she become leader? n/a
- Was it a significant milestone at the time, or were female leaders considered normal throughout your nation's entire history? n/a
- Does (or did) your nation's culture have any taboos against female leaders? it is forbidden
- Has your nation ever had laws preventing women from becoming leader? yes in the constitution
- Did your first female leader face additional obstacles because of her gender alone? (e.g. laws giving preference to male heirs if your nation is a monarchy, cultural beliefs that women don't belong in leadership roles, or just plain old discrimination?). there has never been a female leader its not aloud

[Luziyca]

Rwizikuru never has had a female leader in its history, either as President, nor as Mambo/King. Of course, now that we're planning a constitutional monarchy, it might change soon.

And with the constitutional monarchy adopted, we still do not have a female Mutungamiri (or Premier), although unlike the role of Mambo, women can become Mutungamiri, although given the patriarchal nature of modern Rwizikuran society (thank you Euclea), it's unlikely they will be chosen to be Mutungamiri anytime soon.

[The Twilight Embassy]

Who was she? Maria Pinkheart (also the first openly bisexual woman to serve in the Council of Five) & Victoria Doomsinger (also the first transgender woman to serve in the Council of Five)
How did she become leader? Both were among the five Shadowmancers that killed Lord Fellfather, sacked the Universal Kingdom, and founded the the Twilight Embassy, thus both becoming part of the initial Council of Five afterward.
Was it a significant milestone at the time, or were female leaders considered normal throughout your nation's entire history? Both women were chosen deliberately to accompany Terridax and Obsidian out of spite towards the Lances' enforcement of patriarchal norms.
Does (or did) your nation's culture have any taboos against female leaders? No, but the Universal Kingdom explicitly forbade women from serving in positions of political, economic or cultural power.
Has your nation ever had laws preventing women from becoming leader? No.
Did your first female leader face additional obstacles because of her gender alone? (e.g. laws giving preference to male heirs if your nation is a monarchy, cultural beliefs that women don't belong in leadership roles, or just plain old discrimination?). No, but Victoria Doomsinger's gender identity resulted in countless feminist organizations siding with the Lances when the Shadowmancer-Lance War first broke out (with many more continuing to do so over the countless centuries the war has endured).

[The Union of British North America]

- Who was she?
Dame April McTavish-Ferraro, Whig from the Province of New York. She became the first female prime minister of the NAU in 1978.
- How did she become leader?
Protege of the center-left juggernaut of NAU politics Prime Minister Jean-Jacques Charles, she was his successor in the 1978 election after he decided to step down due to ill health and helped make her party leader.
- Was it a significant milestone at the time, or were female leaders considered normal throughout your nation's entire history?
It was a significant milestone in that she was the very first female prime minister, especially at the time given it was the Quiet War with Japan and Russia and 10 years since the Pacific Missile Crisis.
- Does (or did) your nation's culture have any taboos against female leaders?
The lingering de facto sexism at the time, many thought it was not the time for this or that she was unqualified. But this was overcame by the end of her tenure when she successfully navigated some crises in foreign affairs, such as the Svalbard Affair (when a rogue Russian military unit seized that Norwegian territory). She did not win reelection due to the economy.
- Has your nation ever had laws preventing women from becoming leader?
Not explicitly, though laws preventing women to vote until the early 20th century was assumed to extend to standing for election and taking office.
- Did your first female leader face additional obstacles because of her gender alone? (e.g. laws giving preference to male heirs if your nation is a monarchy, cultural beliefs that women don't belong in leadership roles, or just plain old discrimination?). Cultural beliefs definitely. She handled the Svalbard Affair with determination, which helped prevent an escalation with Russia.

[Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Aaaaaaaaaaaaatopia]

There has never been a woman leader (we are run by immortal wizrd KARLiX) but we have many female government advisors and it's not a problem. The first was Sophie Harrison, a normal woman who discovered a degree of telepathy on her 19th birthday which first brought her to KARLiX's attention. AFter this she was brought into the cabinet, first as the minister for Transport and then as the Head of Government. Sophie Harrison has been sited as a example for women everywhere and a person to look up to, and she has paved the way for many other women across Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Aaaaaaaaaaaaatopia to follow her footseps

[Zeganas]

- Who was she? Sakuma Reynolds
- How did she become leader? Through a democratic national election, a runoff upset happened.
- Was it a significant milestone at the time, or were female leaders considered normal throughout your nation's entire history? It was a big milestone, not only because of her gender but because she was the first leader of her party, the Social Democratic Party.
- Does (or did) your nation's culture have any taboos against female leaders? not really
- Has your nation ever had laws preventing women from becoming leader? no
- Did your first female leader face additional obstacles because of her gender alone? no

Sakuma Reynolds is also known for the "Reynolds Revolution" that shifted Zeganasian politics leftward drastically. Sakumanomics is a colloquial term for the current economic model Zeganas has, with a generous safety net, extensive workers' rights, and progressive social policies. Same sex marriage was adopted under Reynolds, 24 years ago.