Women Leading the Developing World

Over the past three decades, economic growth in the developing world has accelerated. Women are increasingly seen center-stage in the geopolitical arena, leading transformations vis-a-vis political and social activism towards the betterment of their countries. By improving the lives for their counties’ citizens, they also increase the attractiveness for investors. The rise of female politicians can be seen as an indicator of openness, as many developing countries are still primarily male-dominated. Further, the geopolitical shifts they bring often lead to stronger and more competitive economies.

Women in leadership face additional pressures, on top of the already difficult political circumstances often found in developing nations. Often subject to taunting or even physical threats, the women who have emerged are symbols of determination and fair representation.

This article will develop two profiles of women who, through political action, have made their countries better places to live and to invest.

Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar

“To view the opposition as dangerous is to misunderstand the basic concepts of democracy. To oppress the opposition is to assault the very foundation of democracy.”

Aung San Suu Kyi is a Burmese politician, author, and activist. Following in her family’s political roots, she is the daughter of Augn Sang, the leader of the 1940’s liberation from British rule. In 1947, when Kyi was 2 years old, leaders in the fascist government had him assassinated. This served as a constant driving force for her later political involvement. Kyi studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economy at Oxford before returning to Burma and is widowed to British national, Michael Aris.

She made her move into politics in 1988 as a founder of the National League of Democracy (NLD). The Party was founded in opposition to the corrupt military government that had ruled under iron force since independence from England. Despite being nominated prime minister in 1990, the NLD was blocked from moving into power. Kyi was taunted and had assassination attempts before being sentenced to prison/house arrest for 20 years. The government was against her party’s rise to power and offered her the option to move or remain under house arrest. True to the democratic principles she believes in, Kyi decided to stay with her country, losing her family and many friends in the process. During this time she obtained a Nobel Peace Prize and has stood strong as a representative of justice and social awareness. The social and political movement she fueled by remaining with her country encouraged other social activist and the general opening of the economy. Although the military government is still in power, which has hampered economic growth, social gains made by Kyi’s efforts for fair representation are forming the groundwork for economic openness. As the geopolitical political environment continues to evolve for the better, influenced by Aung’s re-entry into the political arena, we can expect the overall business to improve.

Joyce Banda, Malawi

“Higher education is a key to development of a country especially to mothers and girl child, there is a need to encourage them to go for higher education.”

Joyce Banda was the 4th and first female President of Malawi (one of the two female Heads of State in Africa). Former President Banda attributes much personal support in the challenges she faces as a female leader to her marriage with Richard Banda, former Chief Justice of Malawi, in a BBC interview. She has obtained her education in Gender Studies and Leadership and has made remarkable contributions thought her career.

Banda has held various positions in government and public service. Her efforts have had a serious geopolitical impact in Malawi, particularly for Children and Women. In 1997 she established the Joyce Banda Foundation, a school and institution devoted to primary and secondary education development. She also founded the National Association of Business Women in Malawi to increase economic opportunity for women. The Hunger project is another effort led by Banda to combat food shortages. By enhancing the geopolitical landscape of Malawi through policy efforts such as strengthening education, increasing economic freedom for woman, and ensuring basic, the overall quality of life has increased. To the same effect, the business environment has become more attractive and strengthening relations with China have lead to increased FDI. Although fraught with corruption and scandal, Banda has championed through the male-dominated political environment to bring meaningful change to Malawi.

Conclusion

Kyi and Banda are each notable representatives in their own respect. Each have taken very different approaches which have had positive social and economic effects. There are many other female politicians and activist across the world taking action now. In general, this increased social, political, and economic openness is a sign of positive development. We can take this as evidence of the importance of including women, and their potential contributions, in developing countries.

*Written for the Crack 40, BIG--Finance Association at Grenoble Ecole de Management