Women come to South America's defense

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — South America's leaders are increasingly naming women as their defense ministers, putting them in charge of keeping the peace in nations still grappling with legacies of military dictatorships.

The wave of female defense heads — one-third of the posts in South America are filled by women — is especially surprising in a hemisphere known for its machismo.

But analysts say Latin America is changing fast, as newly elected leftist leaders across the region are reaching out to appoint women to Cabinet posts.

Chile's first female president filled half her Cabinet with women upon taking office last March. Ecuador's new president, Rafael Correa, assigned women to seven of 17 Cabinet posts earlier this month. Other leaders regionwide have named women to key posts in the economy, interior and defense ministries.