Timeline: 15 Years of Progress for Women in the Americas

Over the past decade and a half, more women have come to power in the Western Hemisphere, leading to an increasing number of female politicians and the creation of laws to protect women’s rights. Today, women hold their countries’ highest office in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, while women represent one in four of Latin American legislators. In light of Chilean President Michelle Bachelet’s March 11 inauguration and International Women’s Day on March 8, AS/COA Online takes a look at major political and legislative achievements for women across the Americas.