On 17 November, WOW is in partnership with the British Library for Patriarchy + Pandemic, a very special free online event exploring why female leaders have been more successful during Covid-19.

The global pandemic has exposed the unequal fault-lines in society, with domestic violence surging and women’s workforce participation compromised. But women leaders world-wide have been commended for their responses to Covid-19, with research showing female-led countries reported half as many Covid deaths.

In this hour-long event from 7.30pm GMT, join three global leaders to find out out why and what impact they believe the crisis is having on gender equality. WOW Founder Jude Kelly will chair a conversation between Somaliland Special Envoy Edna Adan Ismail, UK MP and Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee Caroline Nokes and Former Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark.

About the speakers:

Helen Clark was Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1999–2008. She went on to be the first woman to lead the United Nations Development Programme. Helen continues to be a strong voice on gender equality and women’s leadership. She is currently Co-Chair of the Independent Panel on Pandemic Response and Preparedness.

Caroline Nokes is a Conservative MP known speaking out about the disproportionate impact of the virus on women. Formerly Minister for Welfare Delivery, she was appointed to the Cabinet Office as Minister for Government Resilience and Efficiency, then Minister of State for Immigration. Caroline is now Chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee.

Edna Adan Ismail is a women's health pioneer and Somaliland Special Envoy, with a long career in championing women’s rights. Her biography A Woman of Firsts was published in 2019. Edna received the French Légion d’Honneur (2012), the Renfield Award for Global Health, and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Jude Kelly CBE (Chair) is the Founder and Director of The WOW Foundation, running WOW – Women of the World Festivals across the globe. She was formerly Artistic Director of London’s Southbank Centre, and has directed over 200 theatre and opera productions, and supported the work of thousands of artists across all genres.

Tickets are free but must be booked in advance from the British Library website. Bookers will be sent a link in advance giving access and will be able to watch at any time for 48 hours after the start time.