Recent global events suggest the world has indeed become more unpredictable. Conflicts have been on the rise across various regions, with a common thread of such disagreements being primarily driven by male leaders. From the tensions in Ukraine and Russia, to the ongoing issues in Israel and Gaza, and the situation in Sudan, the dominance of men in these situations is prominent.
Simultaneously, in other parts of the world, there’s a concerning display of power by men wielding chainsaws for recreational purposes. Only 13 out of 193 countries are currently led by women, according to October 2024 data, which highlights a significant gender disparity in leadership roles.
Leaders like former US President Barack Obama argue that if more countries were led by women, the world would likely experience less war, better care for children, and an overall improvement in living standards and outcomes. Former Irish President Mary Robinson and ex-U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan have also made similar points, emphasizing the critical role of women in preventing conflict and promoting global peace.

Fear of Appearing Soft: A Historical Perspective
A review of history suggests that female leaders have been just as, if not more, likely to initiate conflicts as their male counterparts, according to Christopher Blair, an assistant professor of politics at Princeton University. Female leaders often try to overcome gender-related assumptions about their resolve by adopting a more aggressive leadership style.
Margaret Thatcher, as an example, was Britain’s first female prime minister who led the country through significant military actions, such as the 1982 conflict involving the sinking of the Argentine warship ARA General Belgrano, and the Falklands War.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reportedly hesitated to engage in peace talks because she feared being perceived as weak, highlighting how societal expectations can press women leaders into adopting more aggressive stances.
In today’s “excessively masculine world”, women are often pushed to lean even more into traditionally masculine qualities of leadership, as highlighted by Joslyn Barnhart, an author and researcher of women’s suffrage.
Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s first female prime minister, for instance, adopted the traditionally masculine title “Il Presidente”, highlighting how women often overcompensate to fit into male-dominated roles.
However, women leaders may face harsher criticism for showing signs of weakness. For example, Theresa May was praised by The Sun as resembling “Maggie at her best” early in her tenure but later criticized for being “soft” on Brexit.
Diverse Leadership Beyond Gender Dynamics
Angela Saini, author of “Patriarchs: How Men Came to Rule”, argues that women are not merely mimics of male aggression but are inherently capable of assertiveness and leadership. History is dotted with examples of powerful female leaders such as Indira Gandhi, Queen Lakshmi Bai, and Joan of Arc, who demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience in challenging circumstances.

Leadership Diversety Beyond Individual Leaders
However, the question of whether women leaders could make the world more peaceful is complex. Historically, societies have had so few female leaders that it’s challenging to make a direct comparison. Nevertheless, research shows that increasing women’s involvement in leadership roles – not just at the top – can make societies more peaceful.
“Women’s leadership is not just about women being in charge,” Mary Robinson notes. Involving women in peace processes, parliaments, and elections has been shown to extend the duration of peace, lower defense spending, and foster more peaceful democracies.
These are the kinds of societies that can pave the way for different types of leaders to emerge, emphasizing the importance of a diverse and inclusive approach to leadership.

Diverse Leadership Matters
While the direct impact of female leadership on global peace remains a subject of debate, it’s widely acknowledged that gender diversity in leadership can bring unique perspectives that can lead to more peaceful societies. This diversity extends beyond the top echelons of power, incorporating women’s voices in all levels of decision-making both in the public and private sectors.
In conclusion, the question of whether women could make the world more peaceful encompasses not just the leaders themselves but the societal changes that could pave the way for more diverse and inclusive leadership. As Mary Robinson poignantly states, solving the world’s toughest challenges requires all voices, not just those of half the global population.