Women in Power

Reviews / Votes

All too often, discussions of democratic decline suffer from bland generalizations rooted more in statistics that numb rather than in narrative that ignites. A journalist turned scholar, Linda Robinson brings profiles of courageous women forward as exemplars of how much good leadership matters in the fight against oft-gendered authoritarianism. These rich profiles of the experiences of frontline warriors for democratic resilience marry rich narrative with deeply researched scholarship, yielding a memorable tome that offers a pathway for progress. -- Jenna Ben-Yehuda, executive vice president of the Atlantic Council Linda Robinson, an intrepid journalist and a trailblazer in her own right, profiles women from Asia, Latin America, Africa, the Caribbean, and Europe who have demonstrated courage and dedication to democratic values. She highlights the factors that led to their success and leaves the reader convinced that it is women who can save democracy worldwide. This is a book for all men and women who want to better understand how female leaders make history. -- Evelyn N. Farkas, executive director of the McCain Institute at Arizona State University Robinson has written a compelling and persuasive book that shows how important women are to the efforts to combat extremism and authoritarianism. She issues a clarion call for gender equality, not for its sake alone but because we need both men's and women's full presence and participation to solve the world's challenges. -- Laura Liswood, secretary general of the Council of Women World Leaders and author of <i>Women World Leaders: Fifteen Great Politicians Tell Their Stories</i> In this moment of creeping authoritarianism around the world, Robinson uncovers how extremist forces are driving women out of leadership. More importantly, she reveals the strategies women leaders are using to navigate this new landscape, offering hope not just to promote women's equality but to restore democracy. Women in Power offers inspiration from women leaders for a world where all people can thrive. -- Barbara McQuade, professor from practice, University of Michigan Law School, and former US attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan A must-read for all who are concerned about the rise of authoritarianism and the vicious attacks on women's leadership. By showcasing the experiences of women political leaders, Robinson debunks the stereotype that only men can lead in challenging times. Women political leaders, she demonstrates, have the winning formula for defending democracy-governing for all and advancing gender equality. -- Geeta Rao Gupta, former US ambassador-at-large for global women's issues