The best (wo)man for the job?

Pravin Wadhwani

We live in a world now where every Tom, Dick and Mary thinks they're an expert on public health. A new wave of doctors have emerged from the University of WhatsApp. But one thing we all are guilty of is criticising certain world leaders' response to the pandemic. Not only do we think we are "armchair doctors," but we also think we are "armchair Prime Ministers" too. 

I am still a firm believer that we must not do this because none of us would know what to do if we were in their shoes. This crisis was so unprecedented. I read earlier on this year (apologies I cannot remember the exact quote) that the best course of action is to ACT FAST, no matter what the action is. There is an argument to suggest that world leaders who enforced a rapid reaction to to the outbreak has managed the crisis best. 

There is an interesting trend - these world leaders I mention happen to be women. Now please note that this article is not male bashing, nor is it me saying that ALL female leaders have acted correctly. Nor is it me saying that ALL male leaders have acted wrongly. This is just an interesting observation and one worth noting. 

There is indeed evidence to suggest that the world leaders of Iceland, Germany, New Zealand, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Taiwan (yes, I said Taiwan) acted quickly and it has led to a less negative outlook. I chose my words carefully. What astounded me the most is that Taiwan, pretty much China's next-door neighbour has only had 6 deaths (as of 13th April 2020). Their President, Tsai Ing-wen introduced strict measures as early as January. 

Likewise, Jacinda Ardern the Prime Minister of New Zealand introduced self-isolation to the population when only there were only 6 cases in the country. Her nation only has 4 coronavirus related deaths today. 

Possibly the most prestigious name on the list of the 7 countries above is Angela Merkel. As soon as the virus hit Germany she was quick to let people know of its severity and said it had the potential to infect up to 70% of the population. One again we see a hasty response bearing fruit. 

I accept that some of these countries have the liberty to make such reactions whereas other nations, especially poorer ones don't have the luxury of imposing rules such as free testing for all (what Iceland's Prime Minister, Katrín Jakobsdóttir has done) but these stories should serve as an inspiration to all young women out there who want to go into politics. We were once "it's a man's game" but here we are in the middle of a global crisis and it seems like women are playing the game quite well too. 

Again, this is merely food for thought.