8. Marisela Morales, Mexico

Mexico's Attorney General was hand-picked by the president to combat the country's growing drug violence problem. The issue has reportedly claimed 40,000 lives since 2006, but many fear corruption skews the recored statistics. Morales is the first woman appointed to this position and helped create the country's first witness protection programme. She's pictured centre, with Michelle Obama and Hilary Clinton either side.

Photo by Getty Images Apr 24, 2012