Viewed through a gendered lens, the word ‘power’ takes on different dimensions. Power is most often associated with strength, which in turn is linked to physical prowess or financial might. When women talk about exerting power or flexing their collective might by coming together, the assumptions are different according to norms set by society. Women have led almost a third of the world’s countries and around the globe, women are gaining unprecedented power and an empathetic sense of leadership. Remember the empathetic leadership of Mother Teresa, Sarojini Naidu, Florence Nightingale, Helen Keller or your Mother.During the current COVID-19 pandemic, people across nations are in need of leaders who can lead them with compassion, transparency and plans by which they can live safely. Women leaders such as Jacinda Arden, Angela Merkel, and several others are leading decisively through well-thought responses to counter the pandemic. Presently, selfless acts of empathy, kindness and compassion for our fellow citizens are vital in countering fear, effects of sorrow, limiting suffering, protecting the vulnerable, and planning a recovery from the historic health crisis. These women strut their success, revel in their triumphs on the field and become role models for leaders across borders. Their soft leadership portrays a shining example of empathy.
