Bachelet and Simpson Miller remain on “Most Powerful Women” list

In a testament to the growing power of women and politics in the Americas, the heads of state from Chile and Jamaica reappeared in this year’s edition of the Forbes “100 Most Powerful Women”. Chilean president Michelle Bachelet fell from 17^th last year to 27^th place while Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller jumped eight spots to the 81^st position.

Bachelet has had difficulties in her first year in office facing problems like the Transantiago fiasco and recent violent protests. Yet Forbes praised Chile’s strong economic standing as well as Bachelet's initiatives to improve social services.

Despite problems with crime and possible corruption, Forbes praised Simpson Miller’s efforts to improve Jamaica’s health care system and the promotion of women in sports. Her office is up for grabs, however, as polls show her party tied with the main opposition party only days before the general election this Monday.

Other women in the Americas are attempting to emulate Bachelet and Simpson Miller by being elected as heads off state. Guatemala’s Rigoberta Menchu is a distant 5^th place in the latest polls though her influence could be vital in a likely runoff. Meanwhile, Argentine First Lady Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner is the odds-on favorite to succeed her husband.

For the second straight year, German chancellor Angela Merkel heads the list. She is followed by Chinese vice-president Wu Yi, businesswoman Ho Ching, and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Sources- Forbes, The Latin Americanist, Angus Reid Consultants, Scotsman.com

Image- BBC News