The Covid-19 pandemic has shown that countries with women in leadership positions have better managed the effects of the virus. Moreover, women assumed the largest share of the overburdening in the management of the health crisis, as well as the responsibility for additional domestic services. However, they have also been the main victims of the pandemic, as the crisis has exacerbated existing inequalities in the most vulnerable sectors of work. Also, during this period, women have suffered more violence and harassment in many countries around the world because of the closed-door environment caused by confinement. Where does this paradox come from, between the recognition of women’s contribution and commitment and the denial made of the violence against them? Many civil society organisations are struggling to ensure that this pandemic can play a transformative and positive role in highlighting the importance of women’s leadership and gender equality.

This article is part of the 30/31 issue of the IEMed’s publication « Quaderns de la mediterrània » : Intercultural dialogue : Recongnising Ourselves in the Culture of the Other.