7 Most Influential First Ladies

First Ladies are very powerful and in few cases, influential too. We admit that role of the First Lady is very challenging! First Lady is the wife of the Head of the State who basically plays a very important and responsible role in the society.

Over the years, many first ladies have fulfilled their roles and are continuing to do so. Be it social, political or the educational roles, first ladies have been successful in bringing a positive change in the society. While few first ladies worked behind their husbands, there are many powerful first ladies who have come in front to make use of their position and bring justice.

Thus, role of the first lady has evolved since many years. Take Michelle Obama, wife of the 44th and current President of the United States, Barack Obama for example. The current first lady of the second term president, Barack Obama is voted one of the most powerful and influential first ladies in the history. Be it for her fashion or social roles, Michelle has kept up with the expectations and is playing her role effectively. Let me remind you, Michelle Obama is the first African-American first lady in the history of the US.

As Woman's Day is approaching, it is time to honour the most powerful and influential first ladies of the history. Here is a list of most powerful and influential first ladies in the world.

Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama

The first African-American first Lady of US President, Barack Obama plays all her roles effectively. Be it a mom's role, a fashionista or socialite, Michelle balances all.

Betty Ford

Betty Ford

The high profile public figure openly discussed about her personal problems especially ones related to health. Wife of Gerald Ford, the influential first lady advocated the Equal Rights Amendment, legalization of abortion and spread awareness on breast cancer.

Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton

Although Hillary Clinton quit politics, she is one of the most powerful and influential first ladies in the American politics.

Caroline Harrison

Caroline Harrison

White House has been renovated many times, however, this powerful first lady brought electricity, first Christmas tree and painted the White House china. A supporter of women rights, Caroline was the first president-general of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Jacqueline Kennedy

Jacqueline Kennedy

Apart from being known as a fashionable woman, Jacqueline played her role as the first lady and worked on restoring and refurnishing the White House. After the assassination of her husband, Jacqueline was respected for poise and dignity.

Queen Rania

Queen Rania

She is known for her efforts on behalf of education, human rights and woman issues. Queen Rania is not only one of the most powerful and influential but also one of the most beautiful woman in the world.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt

For many Americans, Eleanor is considered as one of the most influential and powerful first ladies in the history. She fought for New Deal proposals, civil rights and rights of women. Eleanor who became a member of NAACP Board of Directors was the first chairman of the UN Human Rights Commission.

Story first published: Wednesday, March 6, 2013, 16:09 [IST]
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