The Impact of COVID-19 on Women: Challenges and Perspectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people across the globe, but women have been particularly hard hit. As the world entered lockdown, many women faced unique challenges that had a profound impact on their physical and emotional well-being. This article explores how the pandemic has affected women, including job loss, economic instability, and domestic responsibilities.

Workforce Impact and Economic Effects

A recent poll by athenahealth, completed by 1000 adults in the United States, sheds light on how the coronavirus has damaged women's health habits and mental well-being. The study highlighted that the pandemic has not only affected physical health but also emotional health. However, the economic impact on women has been significant.

According to a study by the Azim Premji University (APU), the economic fallout has been particularly harsh on women. The report tracked a panel of individuals employed in December 2019 and found that only 62% of men who were working continued to be employable in April 2020, while an even smaller 32% of women who had jobs in December were still employed in April. This trend suggests that women are disproportionately affected by economic instability during the pandemic.

Evidence of Gendered Impacts

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) emphasizes in its report that gender plays a critical role in the unfolding pandemic. The pandemic exacerbates existing gender inequalities, particularly in areas such as healthcare, employment, and social services. For instance, women represent nearly 70% of health and social service workers, including midwives, nurses, and community health workers, who are often on the front lines of disease outbreaks.

Furthermore, the pandemic has worsened the situation for women who are already more likely to be in poverty, earn lower pay, and be in precarious jobs. This disparity is further highlighted by the study conducted by the Azim Premji University. The report states that only a small percentage of women were still employed in April 2020, indicating a significant loss of jobs among women.

Domestic Responsibilities and Gender-based Violence

Women often face additional domestic responsibilities during a pandemic, such as homeschooling, managing household chores, and providing care for family members. These responsibilities can be overwhelming, especially when combined with economic stress. The global pandemic has also increased the risk of domestic abuse and other forms of gender-based violence.

According to the UNFPA, epidemics and their attendant stresses can increase the risk of domestic abuse and gender-based violence. Support systems for women during such times are crucial. Nonprofits and businesses can provide financial support, offer comprehensive health care services, and ensure the safety of women who may be at higher risk due to abuse.

Strategies for Gender Equity and Support

To address these challenges and foster gender equity, several steps can be taken both at home and at the workplace:

At Home

Equitable Division of Domestic Work: Men and boys should share domestic and care work equally with women and girls. Creative solutions like games such as Fair Play can help facilitate these conversations. Compensation for Domestic Work: Explore ways to financially support those who do domestic work, such as caregivers and cleaners.

At the Workplace

Inclusive Decision-Making: Include female voices in decision-making positions. A balanced perspective is vital during times of crisis. Flexible Working Solutions: Offer flexible working hours, especially for women who need to care for children or elderly family members. Recognize the burden of care on both male and female colleagues and avoid assuming that men will work at full capacity. Supportive Measures: Provide support systems for accessing health care services, including reproductive health and domestic and sexual violence support.

The pandemic presents an opportunity to shift towards more equitable practices. By ensuring that performance management does not disproportionately favor those without additional care responsibilities and by recognizing shared care, employers can demonstrate their commitment to their employees' well-being.

This crisis offers a platform to raise awareness about the issues faced by women and to shift our daily habits and approaches to benefit everyone, male and female. Let us work together to support gender equity and women's rights in the face of the pandemic.