Gender Issues

MH | IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Gender Issues

It has often been said that the world would be a more peaceful place if more women were in positions of leadership. While that may be debatable, there does seem to be some truth in how what has been called “a woman’s touch” impacts governance, and this is evidenced by how countries led by women have responded to the COVID-19 crisis

Clockwise from top left: Delia Albert, Anke Reiffenstuel, Michael Peiyung Hsu, Peter Kell

There is empirical evidence that infection rates and number of deaths have been lower in countries helmed by women. As representatives of three such countries-represented by their ambassadors, Anke Reiffenstuel of Germany, Peter Kell of New Zealand, and Michael Peiyung Hsu of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office-discussed the ways in which their governments have been successful in containing the spread of the virus, as well as the attendant challenges to the economy, certain commonalities emerged. There is the trust in science when formulating an effective strategy, a consultative and collaborative approach with all stakeholders in both government and civil society, as well as transparency in communicating with citizens about the realities of the disease and the challenges ahead, and inclusivity and empathy. As Amb. Reiffenstuel emphasized, as far as the government of Chancellor Angela Merkel is concerned, they believe that “no one is safe until everyone is safe.”

Opening the webinar was one of the Philippines’ most remarkable and accomplished women, former Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Delia Albert, whose own groundbreaking career in the foreign service is a testament to the tenacity and excellence of women in leadership roles.

Presented in partnership with Asia Society Philippines.