Learning Activity #2: Women Leaders

My book edition did not have the UN learning activity, but it did send me to a website about women leaders around the world. Of the approx. 200 nations, states and other members of the United Nations, 22 have currently serving woman leaders... about 10%. I noticed that several of these women are queens, including Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain. I do not know much about other systems of government, but as far as I have heard, the royalty of Britain are only figure heads. The Prime Minister actually handles all matters of state and foreign affairs. Should "Queens" really count as women leaders of nations? The idea of a queen seems to perpetuate certain sexist traditions to me.

Unfortunately (and not surprisingly) the United States is far behind other nations in allowing women into positions of power. Sarah Palin and Hilary Clinton came close to the White House this election. Hopefully next time around we can finally catch up with much of the rest of the Western world.