• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

Barack Obama suggests nations would improve 'across the board' with women in control

1:53
Obama on social media activism: 'That's not bringing about change'
Lim Huey Teng/Reuters
Kelly McCarthy
ByKelly McCarthy
December 16, 2019, 4:06 PM

Former President Barack Obama spoke at a private leadership event in Singapore and shared a powerful message praising women.

At a leadership event in Singapore on Monday, the former president posited what the world would look like with a woman at the helm, according to the BBC.

"Women, I just want you to know you are not perfect, but what I can say pretty indisputably is that you're better than us [men]," Obama said.

"I'm absolutely confident that for two years if every nation on earth was run by women, you would see a significant improvement across the board on just about everything ... living standards and outcomes," he continued.

After completing his two terms in office, Obama has continued his work with his nonprofit foundation that seeks to "inspire people to take action, empower them to change their world for the better, and connect them so they can achieve more together."

Former President Barack Obama speaks during an Obama Foundation event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Dec. 13, 2019.
Lim Huey Teng/Reuters

The former president spent a few days with his maternal half-sister Maya, Soetoro-Ng, imparting leadership wisdom for Obama Leaders across the Asia-Pacific region.

When asked about a potential return to political leadership, Obama said that he believes leaders should step aside when the time comes, the BBC reported.

"If you look at the world and look at the problems it's usually old people, usually old men, not getting out of the way," the former president said.

"It is important for political leaders to try and remind themselves that you are there to do a job, but you are not there for life, you are not there in order to prop up your own sense of self importance or your own power," he added.

The former first lady, Michelle Obama, was also visiting the region and spoke to female students at Cần Giuộc high school in southern Vietnam "to support projects that empower girls through education," she said in a tweet.

Former President Barack Obama and wife Michelle Obama attend a side event for the Obama Foundation in Kuala Lumpur on Dec. 12, 2019.
Mohd Rasfan/AFP/Getty Images

Up Next in News—

How Apple's new leasing program works: Details

July 29, 2026

New video released in shooting of Chiefs offensive coordinator's wife

July 29, 2026

Ex-husband testifies in trial of mom accused of killing her 3 children

July 28, 2026

Wife of Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator allegedly shot by son at home, police say

July 27, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts— 

© 2026 ABC News