This paper investigates whether exposure to female leaders reduces bias against women in leadership positions. Using random assignment of gender quotas across Indian village councils, the authors find that while exposure to female leaders does not alter villagers' preference for male leaders, it weakens stereotypes about gender roles and eliminates negative bias in how female leaders' effectiveness is perceived among male villagers. Female villagers, who are less likely to be aware of or participate in local politics, exhibit less prior bias but are also less affected by exposure to female leaders. Consistent with these findings, villagers rate their female leaders as less effective when exposed to them for the first time, but not for the second time. The results suggest that while deep preferences and social norms are difficult to change, affirmative action programs can significantly improve perceptions of female leader effectiveness and reduce statistical discrimination against women in leadership positions. Additionally, the study finds that political reservation leads to significant electoral gains for women in the medium term, with more women standing for and winning free seats in villages that have been continuously required to have a female chief councillor.This paper investigates whether exposure to female leaders reduces bias against women in leadership positions. Using random assignment of gender quotas across Indian village councils, the authors find that while exposure to female leaders does not alter villagers' preference for male leaders, it weakens stereotypes about gender roles and eliminates negative bias in how female leaders' effectiveness is perceived among male villagers. Female villagers, who are less likely to be aware of or participate in local politics, exhibit less prior bias but are also less affected by exposure to female leaders. Consistent with these findings, villagers rate their female leaders as less effective when exposed to them for the first time, but not for the second time. The results suggest that while deep preferences and social norms are difficult to change, affirmative action programs can significantly improve perceptions of female leader effectiveness and reduce statistical discrimination against women in leadership positions. Additionally, the study finds that political reservation leads to significant electoral gains for women in the medium term, with more women standing for and winning free seats in villages that have been continuously required to have a female chief councillor.