Women have been hugely under-represented in leadership positions for centuries now. They have always had to fight super hard so as to prove worthy to take up leadership positions unlike their male counterparts. Research shows that as of November 2019 only 24.5% of women participate in national level parliaments. And that 29 out of 195 countries are led by women. But, despite the low women representation in national leadership positions, women have still proven to be great leaders. And with the world facing a pandemic, more women have raised to the occasion demonstrating great leadership and strength.
As the world faces the corona virus pandemic, effective leadership has been put into razor-sharp focus. People are now more concerned on leadership filled with empathy, compassion and action- skills that women leaders tend to exhibit more than men. The global pandemic has managed to put a spotlight on the different and unique capabilities that women leaders tend to offer. But, did it have to take a pandemic for people to appreciate the need for women leaders?
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Arden, is a great example of an effective leadership approach to fighting the corona virus. She’s widely praised for her clear, bold and supportive approach to flattening the curve. She has managed to record 21 deaths, 1402 recoveries out of 1497 cases- in a country with a population of about 5 million. German, Taiwan and Norway national responses to the crisis have also proved effective- all with women at the realm.
In Kenya today, women are leading the fight against the corona virus pandemic by adopting a relational style of leadership. This style works on building trust, alleviating fears and managing the crisis. Here is a list of Kenyan women working to manage the crisis by providing effective leadership and essential commodities. All the women listed are not elected representatives but are leaders of foundations, organizations or are just leaders in their own way.
Wevyn Muganda
After the first COVID19 case was reported in Kenya, Wevyn Muganda started online digital advocacy to ensure Kenyans have access to all the necessary information concerning the virus. And on realizing some Kenyans lacked aid and were not properly assisted by government, she together with Suhayl Omar founded- Mutual Aid Kenya- a community-focused disaster relief organization and social movement. They now work together on providing essential commodities to vulnerable families in Kenya.
Esther Akoth alias Akothee
This isn’t the first time for me to mention Akothee in my blog posts, as she is a lady with a heart of Gold, despite all her controversy. Since the corona virus pandemic hit Kenya, Akothee has managed to exhibit an effective leadership approach in managing the crisis. Using her foundation, Akothee Foundation, she is providing essential food products to the less fortunate in the society.
One post that evoked a lot of emotion online, was that of her waking up to a number of women standing outside her home requesting for food. In her motherly nature, she made sure every woman present left her house with something to feed on.
Akothee is also doing the most in sensitizing Kenyans on the corona virus using her social media platforms.
Rahab Muiu
She is the Chairperson Maendeleo ya Wanawake (MYWO), who is leading the fight against COVID19 by advocating for women participation in the fight. She says, having more women on board will lead to the efficient management of the disease as most households are run by women.
DR, Mercy Mwangangi
Health CAS has gained popularity in Kenya for her bold and clear communication skills during the daily coronavirus updates. Her efficient communication skills has helped to sensitize Kenyans on how to efficiently manage the coronavirus.
Catherine Kamau alias Kate Actress
Mama K is using her social media platforms to advocate for better sanitation and response to the crisis. Using her platforms, she has managed to distribute care packages to slum dwellers in Nairobi and she is working on reaching more people.
Edith Ngunjiri
A UN Volunteer with UNFPA, she is working with the UN to support the Kenyan government’s COVID-19 response. She is working with the ministry of health to support resource mobilization and she also encourages Kenyans to join any volunteer service and aid in the fight.
Kenyan Rural Women
Some rural women in western region have helped in the fight against the corona virus by working on the production of face masks. They have also helped in feeding police officers who are manning road blocks due to the lock-down in some areas.
In the fight against the corona virus ,the help of every one is needed as it is something that affects everybody. If you can do something to help in the fight against the corona virus, You are encouraged to do it.
The women listed above have all shown effective leadership that can stir companies and the country at large, to greater heights. But ironically, women are still not considered for leadership positions and only a few get a chance at the table. This global pandemic has demonstrated that women are great leaders and that people should support more women to get into leadership positions. We need both men and women at the table to ensure maximum and inclusive development.
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