Men are the warriors and hunters but, when the chips are down, women rise to the need for caring. Now again women are looking after the millions affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, not only in the hospitals, but in their homes. We celebrate women at this time.

Some countries who struggle with the pandemic have tried to shift the blame to China, and even to the World Health Organisation. The WHO immediately appointed an investigative pandemic response panel. Headed by two women; Helen Clark of New Zealand, and Ellen Sirleaf, former President of Liberia, it seems that when it comes to human caring, the female instinct is still trusted.

Forbes Magazine looked at those countries who performed best in the Covid-19 pandemic. They identified six leaders who excelled: New Zealand, Taiwan, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland – all women!

Now in early August 2020 deaths due to covid-19 to date in those five countries reflect a consistent low trend. The figures below, where Forbes identified the country and its leader, tell the story:

Denmark – Mette Fredericksen: 617 Iceland – Katrin Jakobsdottir: 10 Finland – Sanna Marin: 331 Germany – Angela Merkel: 9245 New Zealand – Jacinda Ardern: 22 Norway – Erna Solberg: 256 Taiwan – Tsai Ing-wen: 7.

Whilst Germany’s death rate might look high when compared with the rest, with a population of 83 million, its deaths per million of population totals 110, similar to that of Denmark. Yes, ‘comparisons are odious’, but to get some perspective, consider that the UK’s deaths per million of population currently stands at 680.

So what qualities did these women share?

• Decisiveness – when someone is in need, you act!
• Accurate communication – in times of crisis, truth counts!
• Compassionate and loving communication – citizens feel cared for!

In such a time of crisis, as this Covid-19 pandemic, more than ever we celebrate women’s caring embrace.