This blog is part of a collaboration between the Forum of African Women Educationalists (FAWE) and the Global Partnership for Education.

Globally, female leadership is still a new phenomenon thus it is not getting the appreciation and attention it deserves. Female leaders have been excelling in many fields and in the 21^st century there has been a rise in women participation in previously male-dominated organizations and public offices. Though the increase was not proportionate to men, little noise was made about it.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world abruptly last year, infections and deaths escalated. Leaders and scientists were challenged to quickly devise and deploy effective solutions to contain and manage the pandemic. Interestingly, countries with female leaders have since been in the spotlight regarding their management approach to the pandemic.

Their excellence in management and leadership styles characterized by pragmatism, flexibility, attentiveness, empathy, and benevolence are all essential for a progressive society. And they brought better results for their populations!

Globally, women represent approximately 70% of all health workers and their contributions in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic as frontline workers have been far reaching. Moreover, women’s efforts in exploring scientific remedies to avert further devastation of economies and societies due to COVID-19 are commendable. Sadly, women remain extremely underrepresented in leadership spaces where decisions are made that affect their daily experiences.

To overcome this, it is important for governments to acknowledge the significance of gender equality and to prioritize inclusivity and diversity of opinions and talents at all levels. For instance, women representation in political, economic, and social leadership must be prioritized if we want to achieve a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.

Low self-esteem, limited role models and lack of leadership-shadowing are barriers for aspiring young women leaders. In many places, they will need to continue to navigate the rough waters of patriarchy – especially in politics and the boardroom – and many of them may end up throwing in the towel midway.

The outbreak of COVID-19 and the resulting lockdowns have led to an exorbitant rise in the share of unpaid care work especially with the children who are out of school, the largest share of which rests on women’s shoulders.

This has heavily impacted women’s capacity to continue being as productive as before in their professional lives, or if they have, it took a heavy toll on their well-being. We thus need swift action by governments and human rights defenders for enhanced flexibility for women to effectively balance household and professional duties. For instance increased access to paid leave and flex-work would help.

At the same time, government programs and policies must be gender responsive. Such interventions must be inclusive of men as key allies in building evidence for fighting against all forms of female discrimination and oppression.

Indisputably, the roots of inequalities can be addressed by starting with equitable quality education. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected girls’ education disproportionately. So a robust and effective approach must be deployed now to ensure female students can be equipped with the qualifications they need for future leadership roles.

Qualifications, though not enough, may be a good starting point to speak for their consideration, and enable them to excel. Eventually, their leadership and results will be proof that women can be catalysts for change, for economic development, for peace, even in the midst of crisis.