Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton is today likely to formally announce her bid to become American president after many months of speculation.

The 67-year-old has had her sights set on returning to the Oval Office ever since her husband retired as commander-in-chief in January 2001.

During her years as America’s first lady she championed a number of enduring social welfare measures including health insurance for children, stringent adoption laws and improved foster care regulations.

Mrs Clinton became a New York senator in 2001 and was one of the key leaders during the September 11 attacks, calling for compassion for victims in the years following the disaster.

Her historic 2008 bid for the presidency was thwarted by Illinois senator Barack Obama, who subsequently won the general election later that year. Mr Obama appointed Mrs Clinton as secretary of state and during her term she made a concerted effort to work with Australia and better recognise our role in the Asia Pacific.

Few women have come close to even running for the presidency. Names such as Geraldine Ferraro and Sarah Palin only got as far as running for vice-president.

The United States lags behind the rest of the world when it comes to female leadership.  

Great Britain elected Margaret Thatcher in 1979 and her leadership was instrumental in re-establishing the beleaguered UK on the world stage. Australia, Germany, Israel, Argentina, Canada, Brazil and Finland among others have also elected female leaders with varying degrees of success.

When Mrs Clinton conceded to Mr Obama seven years ago, she told disappointed supporters: “Although we weren’t able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you it’s got about 18 million cracks in it.” 

Next year, Mrs Clinton may shatter that ceiling once and for all.