Sirimavo Bandaranaike

Definition

Sirimavo Bandaranaike was a Sri Lankan stateswoman, and the world's first female prime minister. She served three terms (1960-65, 1970-77, 1994-2000).

Analogy

Consider Sirimavo Bandaranaike as the trailblazer in a dense forest of politics dominated by men. She carved out her path and became an inspiration for many women who followed.

Related terms

Women's suffrage: The right of women to vote in elections; began to be granted universally in the early 20th century.

Non-Aligned Movement: An international organization (group of countries) who do not want to officially align themselves with or against any major power bloc (like the US or Russia). Sirimavo Bandaranaike was one of its influential leaders.

Socialist policies: A type of economic system where the ways of making money (factories, offices, etc.) are owned by a society as a whole, meaning value made belongs to everyone in that society instead of private individuals. Bandaranaike implemented several socialist policies during her tenure.