Though women are at the frontlines of the pandemic as health workers and caregivers, few wield the political power necessary to enforce pandemic preparedness policies – less than 10% of countries around the world are led by women. However, the handful of countries with female leaders are disproportionately flattening the curve and saving more lives, pointing to an urgent need to examine how and why these countries are succeeding – and what leadership has to do with it. Hear why we have no time to lose to elevate women’s political leadership to solve this health crisis and prevent the next one.
Key Themes:
“To me, there is no contradiction between being an empathetic leader and being a strong leader.” – H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Former President of Liberia
“Jacinda Ardern is a phenomenon – and I have watched the relentless attacks on her. Nonetheless, young women find her inspiring and I hope what they will take away is, regardless of how tough it is, it is so important that women stare this down, get in, have a go and make a difference for people.” – Rt Hon Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand
“Women are personally blamed when things go wrong and are rarely given the credit when things go right… research tells us its true. What I would like to see is men and women alike adopt some of the leadership skills of the most talented female heads of state.” – Dr. Zoe Marks, Lecturer in Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School
