Representing all the women, salute!
Centuries after Joan of Arc led the French army to victory against the English, countless female leaders throughout herstory have carried the torch to make the world a brighter, safer place for women.
Thanks to their collective efforts, humanity has seen what girl power can do.
Research published in the Harvard Business Review shows that women are better leaders during crises. Females are rated by colleagues as more effective than their male counterparts and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moreover, research by the American Psychological Association reported that women are rising into leadership roles in politics and other institutions. They found that women are typically more participative and democratic than men in their approach to leadership, with goals that emphasize public good, compassion, and egalitarian values.
The media further pointed out that countries with the best coronavirus responses all had women leaders in common.
On International Women’s Day 2022, we celebrate these strong female leaders holding the banner of gender equality worldwide.
Denmark’s Mette Frederiksen
Frederiksen is the youngest prime minister of Denmark and the second woman to hold this office. She gained international attention for standing up to then United States President Donald Trump to say that Greenland was not for sale and called his idea “absurd.”
Iceland’s Katrín Jakobsdóttir
As prime minister of Iceland, Jakobsdóttir has unified the country’s three coalition parties to form an unlikely alliance. Analysts have observed that she uses more of a consensus than confrontational style, consistent with the public’s perception of her integrity.
Finland’s Sanna Marin
Marin is the youngest prime minister of Finland and for a time was the world’s youngest female head of government. She has gained respect for her clearheadedness and policy focused on supporting the country’s social welfare program, as well as her agenda based on social equality and climate issues.
Germany’s Angela Merkel
Merkel is the first woman to become chancellor of Germany. During service, she championed austerity as the solution to Europe’s damaged economies and kept Germany’s borders open to over a million migrants during the continent’s worst refugee crisis since World War II.
New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern
Ardern is New Zealand’s youngest prime minister in over 150 years. She earned a reputation as a “rock star” politician who called for free university education, reductions in immigration, decriminalization of abortion, the creation of child poverty alleviation programs, and a fairer deal for the marginalized.
Norway’s Erna Solberg
Until last year, Solberg was prime minister of Norway. She was recognized for her policy supporting global education, sexual and reproductive health, and rights for women and girls.
Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen
Tsai is the first female president of Taiwan. Her strong commitment to upholding the independence and sovereignty of Taiwan as a country resonated loud for her people.
Banner Photo by Shane Rounce on Unsplash
