Person in News – Women’s Day Special

First Woman Prime Minister and President in the World

Sirimavo Bandaranaike (Sri Lanka)

• Born: April 17, 1916 (Ratnapura, Sri Lanka)
• Claim to Fame: First woman Prime Minister in the world (Sri Lanka, 1960).
• Political Entry: After assassination of husband S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike (PM, 1959), she was chosen to lead Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).
• Tenure:
  • 1960–65, 1970–77, 1994–2000 (three terms as PM).
• Policies & Legacy:
  • Socialist orientation, neutrality in foreign policy.
  • Nationalisation of industries.
  • Enacted law making Sinhalese the sole official language.
• Background: Came from a wealthy family; active in social welfare before entering politics.

Isabel Perón (Argentina)

• Born: February 4, 1931.
• Claim to Fame: First woman President in the world (Argentina, 1974–76).
• Background: Third wife of Juan Perón; served as Vice-President during his tenure.
• Presidency: Took charge after Juan Perón’s death in 1974.
• Challenges:
  • Severe inflation and labour unrest.
  • Rising political violence.
  • Her social welfare minister Lopez Rega was linked to corruption & terrorism → forced into exile.
• Fall from Power: Refused to resign despite pressure; in 1976, military coup ousted her → put under house arrest.
• Significance: First woman head of state (President) in modern history.
  
  Updated: March 07, 2025 1:14 PM | India TV