Consensus and trust are key for leaders amid COVID-19

Significance

Research indicates that compared with male heads of state, female leaders more often insist on consensus-building, investment in social services and empathetic communication. These traits are proving especially useful in mounting robust public health campaigns.

Impacts

• The pandemic will spotlight the lack of women in top decision-making roles in public health, spurring change.
• Female political participation is likely to increase, especially in countries where female leaders are visibly tackling the pandemic.
• Overall, gender gaps will rise due to the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on women and girls.