Who was the first woman in the world?

As a domain expert in history and political science, I would like to clarify that the concept of "the first woman in the world" is not a historically verifiable fact, as it pertains to the origins of humanity, which are lost in prehistory and the realm of anthropology. However, if we are discussing the first notable woman in a political context, we can indeed look at the first woman to hold a significant political office. The reference you provided points to Sirimavo Bandaranaike, who was indeed a groundbreaking figure in the history of women in politics. She became the world's first woman prime minister when she was elected head of Sri Lanka's government in the 1960s. Her tenure and the impact she had on the political landscape were significant and paved the way for many women leaders who followed. Sirimavo Bandaranaike was born on April 17, 1916, and her political career was deeply intertwined with her family's political legacy. She entered politics following the assassination of her husband, Solomon West Ridgeway Dias Bandaranaike, who was the Prime Minister of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). Sirimavo Bandaranaike was elected as Prime Minister in 1960, leading the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), and she served as the Prime Minister on three separate occasions: 1960–1965, 1970–1977, and 1994–2000. Her rise to power was not without challenges. She faced significant opposition and had to navigate a male-dominated political environment. Despite these obstacles, she implemented policies that focused on social welfare and sought to improve the lives of the Sri Lankan people. Her tenure was marked by efforts to nationalize certain industries and to promote a non-aligned foreign policy. Bandaranaike's legacy extends beyond her political achievements. She is often celebrated as a symbol of women's empowerment and has inspired many women to engage in politics and leadership roles. Her election as the world's first female prime minister was a significant milestone in the global movement for gender equality and women's rights. It is important to note that while Bandaranaike was the first woman to become a prime minister, there have been many other "firsts" for women in various fields since then. Each of these milestones contributes to the broader narrative of women's progress and the ongoing struggle for gender parity. In conclusion, when discussing "the first woman in the world," it is essential to specify the context. If we are talking about the first woman to hold a significant political office, then Sirimavo Bandaranaike stands out as a pioneering figure. Her election as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka was a historic moment that broke gender barriers and continues to inspire women worldwide.

World's First Woman Prime Minister Resigns. Sirimavo Bandaranaike, who became the world's first woman prime minister when she was elected head of Sri Lanka's government four decades ago, retired from office today at the age of 84.