Description
Girls and women make up half the world’s population, but there is a long way to go to see the same representation in politics. Today’s girls can make that number grow!
Run the World Like a Girl tells the inspirational stories of twelve girls from across the globe who became leaders of their countries. Who were they as young people? What motivated them? Although they came from different backgrounds and different paths, they shared the same desire for positive change—and the belief that they could be the ones to bring it.
Vigdis Finnbogadóttir of Iceland was the first woman to be democratically elected as president of a country. Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan was the first woman elected to lead a democratic government in a Muslim-majority country. Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand was the first woman to have a baby during her time as Prime Minister. Kamala Harris is one of only two women to come within reach of being President of the United States. All twelve extraordinary girls in this book, and the powerful women they became, show us how to Run the World Like a Girl.
Author Bio
Kate Graham researches, writes, speaks and teaches about politics in Canada. She holds a PhD in Political Science and teaches in the Political Science Departments at Western and Huron University College. Kate is the creator and host of No Second Chances (NoSecondChances.ca), a Canada 2020 podcast about the rise and fall of women in Canada’s most senior political roles – a project which inspired her own political pursuits, and this book. Kate lives with her partner Jesse and daughter Flora in London, Ontario.
Table of contents
Introduction
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern: New Zealand
President Michelle Bachelet: Chile
Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto: Pakistan
Prime Minister Kim Campbell: Canada
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf: Liberia
President Vigdís Finnbogadóttir: Iceland
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi: India
President Tsai Ing-wen: Taiwan
Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila: Namibia
Chancellor Angela Merkel: Germany
Prime Minister and Acting President Sylvie Kinigi: Burundi
Vice President Kamala Harris: United States of America
Conclusion
Glossary of Terms
Review Quotes
"Noting that only 40 percent of nations have ever had a woman leader, Kate Graham’s plucky biographical essay collection Run the World like a Girl introduces women politicians who beat the odds to work for equality…. The lilac color scheme links the font and illustrations, including the initial portrait of each woman…. The nutshell profiles of women leaders in Run the World like a Girl are both engaging and inspirational."
— Foreword Reviews"Entries include direct quotes and anecdotes that help their subjects come alive, and the overall tone from the sprightly introduction through each profile to the inspiring conclusion is cheerful encouragement for readers to step up and assert themselves. The clear message is that we need more women leaders, and readers will find plenty of inspiration from these strong women."
— Booklist★"Graham doesn’t shy away from tough topics, such as war, inequality, or the harsh realities of living under a dictatorship. She tackles these hard subjects with tact, purposefully keeping the text at a reading level that younger readers will understand. Graham makes it clear that leadership isn’t limited to outgoing women from wealthy families—many who faced poverty, inequality, or even shyness, and who never imagined entering politics until later in life, also rose to make meaningful change. The book features beautiful and realistically drawn illustrations instead of photographs, adding to the accessibility.... VERDICT For collections in need of more diversity in their political leader sections, this book will make a great addition."
— School Library Journal, starred review