January has been a precedent-setting month for women. Ms. Michelle Bachelet was elected Chile's first female leader, becoming South America's second woman elected head of state, while Ms. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf took office as president of Liberia, Africa's first elected female head of state.
While both have made history at home, they are part of a growing number of female politicians claiming national office around the world. This tide still lags expectations, though, and many more women need seats in government before politicians truly reflect the societies they represent.
The election results in both Chile and Liberia were surprises. Chile is one of Latin America's most conservative countries, and Ms. Bachelet, a socialist doctor and divorcee, ran an uneven campaign. But she was also a former defense minister who benefited from aligning herself closely with outgoing President Ricardo Lagos and the record of success that the center-left alliance has created during its 15 years in power.