COVID-19 has put some serious pressure on leaders around the world. During times like these, their abilities are put in the spotlight. The way in which they handle the situation shows their leadership prowess. That being said, it’s come to light just how well many female leaders have performed in this stressful period. 

Germany, New Zealand, Iceland and Finland are all countries with a woman in their highest position of power. They are also all countries who haven’t been so harshly impacted by the coronavirus, with fewer cases than their neighbors. Some other countries successfully handling the situation with women in charge include Taiwan, Norway and Denmark. 

While Germany does indeed have a large number of cases, they have hundreds less deaths per day in comparison to other countries. Wednesday, April 22, Germany reported 79 new deaths, whereas Spain, Italy and France had over 400. Germany’s chancellor, Angela Merkel, informed her citizens that the situation was serious, and should be treated as such. There was no time wasted in trying to deny what was happening, which was an issue in other countries, like the U.S. 

It is said that women are taking an intelligent and quick approach to the problem, shutting down their countries with little hesitation. Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s prime minister, placed her country on lockdown when it had a mere six cases nationwide. Thursday, April 23, New Zealand had a total of 16 deaths. Obviously they are a smaller, island country, but such an accomplishment is still very much commendable. 

There’s a plethora of other examples of female leaders controlling the situation to the best of their ability. Of course, this isn’t to say that their male counterparts are any less suitable for the task. Instead, these stories are simply revealing just how capable women are when they are given power. 

Over the course of history it’s been very clear females were given little to no representation in their governments, and still today this fact is true. Perhaps their display of efficiency in these troubling times will give the needed push forward in voting women into positions of power. We’ve gone far too long without them, and now more than ever do we need their effective leadership skills.