Bautista, Maria SocorroNatividad, Roana Michelle P.B2025-01-172025-01-172006-03https://selib.upd.edu.ph/etdir/handle/123456789/4115This paper employs statistical methods and regression techniques in order to arrive at several conclusions regarding female heads of state: the factors for having them, their effects on the country and the relationships that can be formed between them and other economic variables. This is done through the use of cross-country panel data (segregated for developed and least-developed/developing countries) from 1960 to 1990, and on Philippine time-series data from 1980 to 2001. Several conclusive results are found. First, a significant factor leading to the increased probability of placing of women as heads of state is a low initial level of per capita GDP. Second, there is a significant shift in public policy when there is a female head of state, resulting in the improvement of a country's human and gender development, most especially for developed countries. Third, the existence of a female head of state consistently has, for all countries, a positive relationship with military revolutions and coups and a negative relationship with economic growth, political instability and real exchange rate distortions. For the regressions on Philippine data, it is found that a female president's administration spends higher on health, defense and debt service, with crime rates shooting up during her term and tourist arrivals dropping.enPoliticsGender rolePolitical leadershipWomen empowermentGender and politicsFemale leadersThesis