Challenge the stereotypes. Recognize women leaders in the times of crisis!

Author(s): UNOPS

The Glass Cliff

Many people have heard of the 'glass ceiling' – the invisible barrier to advancement that women often face. But there's also the 'glass cliff' – a situation where organizations in trouble put a women leader in charge to save it, despite the high chances of failure due to existing difficult circumstances. Despite setbacks, and in some cases as the only female at the table – working twice as hard for half the pay in some countries – women continue to fight a male-dominated system, bringing their vision in the struggle for a better future.

Does gender really matter?

There has been much discussion on leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, with one pattern emerging early on: Female leaders handled the crisis remarkably well. Early academic research on leadership in crisis indicates that women tend to perform better in a crisis. For example, in 'Leading the Fight Against the Pandemic: Does Gender ‘Really’ Matter?^*, countries with women leaders achieved better COVID-19 outcomes. The paper pointed out that women leaders reacted faster, locked down earlier, followed the science more rigorously and were more prepared to take economic risks to protect lives than their male counterparts.

Crisis and conflict affect people on both a social and economic level, especially the most vulnerable – which often includes women. That is why it's imperative that women are part of the solutions, plans and decisions made to address this pandemic.

Gender-inclusive leadership – during COVID-19 and beyond

As COVID-19 spread to almost every country of the world, women standing at the frontline – as national leaders, primary caregivers, healthcare workers, scientists, volunteers, rural workers – have played and continue to play an important role in getting the pandemic under control.

One of the ingredients for success in the fight against COVID-19 is gender balance in positions of power and influence within our societies. Gender parity leads to collaboration and blending of visions, as well as supports the formulation of inclusive and comprehensive solutions. Leadership environments with gender parity lead to healthier, stronger and more consensus-based decisions.

Compassion, collaboration, communication, caring

It’s time to revisit the definition of leadership and make it more gender-inclusive by highlighting traits and competencies that are normally associated with women leaders. So what makes them good leaders in times of crisis? A more caring, open and inclusive leadership style that encourages participation by others by focusing on consensus-building.

When women lead teams, they bring qualities like compassion, empathy, communication, caring, inspiration and reassurance. By bringing vision and collaboration to the table, women can turn closing doors into opportunities, while introducing new and better ways of doing things. In the COVID-19 context, studies show that women take fewer risks when it comes to protecting human lives.

The Unsung Heroes

Women’s groups were quick to help fill any gaps in capacity by making masks and alcohol sanitizers, providing meals to those who had lost their livelihood during the lockdown, and coming up with solutions to extend a helping hand to those in need. The video has some examples of women who led from the front, both at the national and local levels.

Everyone can be a leader – if given the chance

At UNOPS, we believe that everyone, regardless of gender, is able to achieve their full potential. Women, specifically, need to know early in their lives that they can be leaders – and shouldn't limit themselves. We advocate for leadership that supports skills development, talent development and stepping outside of comfort zones in order to tackle challenges in the post-COVID-19 era.

How UNOPS supports women leaders?

Tackling inequality in infrastructure

In 2020, Grete Faremo led the event at TEDxFrederiksberg held in the city of Copenhagen, Denmark. In her talk, ‘Rethinking infrastructure in a world designed for men', Ms. Faremo highlighted how years of gender-biased design has stifled opportunities and created serious, lasting issues that impact people every day, particularly women.

“We will all benefit from greater equality and we need to start today to design systems and infrastructure that will help us create new opportunities and build a better future for all.”

— Grete Faremo, UNOPS Executive Director

Download the publication [here]

Integrating Gender into Infrastructure Development - Publications

To ensure that infrastructure is designed and built to maximize positive and equitable benefits – including income-generating opportunities and access – gender mainstreaming is necessary. New guides co-produced by UNOPS and UN Women encourage gender-inclusive infrastructure by showing how to integrate gender into infrastructure development in Asia and the Pacific. Focused on Asia and the Pacific, the publications provide region-specific guidance, information and case studies showcasing socially-inclusive and gender-equitable infrastructure designs.

Quotes

Leadership spotlight: Lessons Learned

• It’s not about having all the answers, it’s about asking the right questions
• Everyone’s voice matters - especially those who disagree
• Don’t lean in when you’ve got nothing to lean in about!
• Know your own limitations!
• Motivate through transformation
• Put your people ahead of yourself
• Empathize
• Focus on elevating others
• Be kind
• Listen effectively
  
  

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