Are Women Leaders Better at Fighting the Coronavirus Pandemic?

They are a "secret weapon" in the fight against the coronavirus, estimates Arwa Mahdawi, journalist for the Guardian. In recent times, political leaders like Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, Jacinda Ardern, the New Zealand Prime Minister, or Tsai Ing-wen, the president of Taiwan, have seen portraits of themselves on social media - particularly on Brain Magazine’s Instagram post which collected around 7000 likes, including that of Marion Cotillard, asking this question: "What do the countries that best face coronavirus have in common?" Forbes Magazine replied: "Female leaders".

Medias and users are wondering: “Are women leaders better in fighting the coronavirus pandemic?” In an article published on Saturday, April 11, the Guardian wrote: " Being a woman doesn't make you better at handling a global pandemic”, analyzes the British daily newspaper. It doesn't always make you a better leader either; suggesting it reinforces sexism and unnecessary idea that women innately feel more compassion and are more cooperative. It is true, however, that women generally have to be better in order to become leaders.," said journalist Arwa Mahdawi.

Better responsiveness

In fact, the United States, presided by Donald Trump, registered more than 23,500 deaths until today, while New Zealand, led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, recorded 9 in total. To control the pandemic, the head of government took earlier precautions of lockdown and closing borders, even though the nation recorded 6 cases. Again, the Guardian puts it into perspective: this low death rate "is partly due to the geography and size" of the country, which is less than 5 Million people. On March 17, the female politician announced the launch of an economic plan to avert the coming recession. This program included wage guarantees, tax relief, or an airline rescue plan, according to Women's Agenda website.

In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel took precaution measurments very quickly against coronavirus, she warned from the beginning that the virus could infect up to 70% of her fellow citizens, explains Forbes. "It's a serious matter, take it as such," she declared to the Germans. Though the country counts today 3200 deaths, however, the female leader has managed to limit the impact of the pandemic thanks to a large number of CPR beds and massive tests for the population. The responsiveness of these leaders has also given them a definite advantage in the fight against the pandemic, the American magazine continues. Forbes praises the efficiency and “pace" of Tsai Ing-wen, president of Taiwan, when CNN described it as "one of the best responses" to the crisis. She was one of the first leaders who have implemented 124 measures to fight the epidemic, starting in January. As for Iceland, Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, offered all her fellow citizens the opportunity to be tested for coronavirus, free of charge.

Creative initiatives

Some female politicians have adopted more creative measures. Sanna Marin, 34 years old, one of the youngest leaders in the world and head of government in Finland, called on influencers to spread information about the ongoing pandemic. Some female leaders have not thought twice before addressing their younger fellow citizens. Erna Solberg, Prime Minister of Norway, hosted a press conference for children only. Jacinda Ardern warned young New Zealanders that the Easter bunny might not pass this year in a video released in early April.

In Denmark, the head of government Mette Frederiksen has so far registered 299 deaths. If women leaders seem better organized, or more creative in taking initiatives to fight the pandemic, their success cannot be limited to their gender. Other factors are also to be considered, such as the policies of previous governments, said the Guardian reporter. In addition, some leaders like Justin Trudeau are trying to limit the pandemic, for the moment, with 780 deaths, compared with 14,900 in France. Crisis management of some female political leaders should nonetheless go down in history.