With the advance of women's movements, female voices carry an increasingly noticeable strength in family as well as social aspects, and are becoming ever-more vital to a nation. The presence of women in roles of political leadership has soared to challenge the views on the traditional female role. Here, China.org.cn profiles ten women that have shaped global politics in 2012.

 Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany

Angela Merkel was elected first female chancellor of Germany in 2005 and re-elected as the country's chancellor in 2009. She has been described as "the de facto leader of the European Union."

Merkel currently ranks as the world's second most powerful person by Forbes magazine, coming in right behind U.S. President Barack Obama, and gaining her the highest ranking ever achieved by a woman.