EPISODE · Jul 30, 2026 · 18 MIN
Sirimavo Bandaranaike, First Woman Elected as Head of Government (ep. 16.20)
from Her Half of History · host Evergreen Podcasts
Many women have served as the head of government for their respected countries. But usually that's because they were part of a royal family, and they inherited the office. Getting elected to the top job is an entirely different matter. The first woman to do that was Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka. She won the elections for prime minister in 1960. Visit the website (herhalfofhistory.com) for sources, transcripts, and pictures. Sign up for the newsletter On This Day in Women's History, available on Patreon or Substack. There are free options in both places. This show survives on the support of listeners like you. Support the show on my Patreon page (https://www.patreon.com/user?u=83998235) for ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and polls. Or make a one-time donation on Buy Me a Coffee. Your support helps me keep bring the stories of past women into the present. Join Into History for a community of ad-free history podcasts plus bonus content. Visit Evergreen Podcasts to listen to more great shows. Follow me on Threads as Her Half of History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Sirimavo Bandaranaike, First Woman Elected as Head of Government (ep. 16.20)
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