COVID-19, Women Premiers and Overconfidence

Abstract

A mounting body of evidence suggests that female premiers have done a better job of managing the COVID-19 pandemic than their male colleagues. We contribute more evidence to this debate through the analysis of the evolution of the differences in incidence and mortality rates between female- and male-led countries for 31 European nations. We find revealing statistical evidence of superior performance in women-led countries. We discuss some possible explanations for this difference rooted in the overconfidence bias, humility, and leadership style literature.

Keywords: COVID-19, women leaders, women premiers, overconfidence, gender