New Zealand was the first country to appoint a female head of government when it elected Jenny Shipley as Prime Minister in 1997. Shipley, a member of the National Party, became the first woman to lead the country after she succeeded National Party leader Jim Bolger. Her election was a groundbreaking moment in New Zealand's political history, representing a significant advance for women's representation and leadership in government. Shipley served as Prime Minister until 1999, when she lost the general election. Her tenure marked an important step toward greater gender equality in political leadership roles.