The first elected female head of state in the world was Sirimavo Bandaranaike, who became Prime Minister of Sri Lanka in 1960. Her election marked a significant milestone in gender representation in politics, as she held office at a time when few women occupied leadership roles globally. Bandaranaike’s tenure not only paved the way for future female leaders but also helped challenge traditional gender roles in governance. Her leadership has inspired countless women to pursue political careers, contributing to the ongoing fight for gender equality in politics.