The COVID-19 pandemic has had a deep impact on women globally. The crisis has exacerbated existing inequalities, particularly in economic opportunities, health care access, and safety. Women have faced increased poverty, unemployment, and violence.
Economic Impact
The pandemic has affected women’s economic status. Many women lost their jobs, with a reported $800 billion in lost income globally in 2020. Women make up a substantial portion of the informal economy, which has been severely impacted.
- Women accounted for 28% of job losses despite representing only 24% of the workforce.
- 35% of women reported employment loss at the pandemic’s onset, dropping to 26% by September 2021.
- Women were 2.4 times more likely than men to lose paid work to care for others.
Additionally, female-owned businesses experienced higher closure rates than male-owned ones. McKinsey & Company estimated that without intervention, global GDP could be $1 trillion lower by 2030. Conversely, achieving gender parity could add $13 trillion to the economy.
Poverty Surge
The pandemic has reversed decades of progress in poverty reduction. An estimated 198 million people, including 100 million children, are projected to fall into extreme poverty in 2022.
- Women are expected to be disproportionately affected, with a forecast of 121 women in poverty for every 100 men by 2030.
- 72% of domestic workers, predominantly women, lost their jobs during the pandemic.
Education Disruptions
The pandemic caused unprecedented educational disruptions. Over 1.6 billion children were unable to attend school at the peak of the crisis.
- 870 million students still face educational interruptions.
- 2.2 billion children lack internet access for remote learning.
School closures have increased the risk of child marriage by 25%. UNICEF estimates that 10 million additional child marriages may occur by 2030. Women and girls were 11% more likely to drop out of school than their male counterparts.
Health Care Access
Access to reproductive health services has been severely disrupted. Approximately 12 million women in low- and middle-income countries faced interruptions in contraceptive services.
- This led to an estimated 1.4 million unintended pregnancies in the first year of the pandemic.
- Delays in programs to end female genital mutilation (FGM) are projected to result in 2 million more cases over the next decade.
Increase in Domestic Violence
The pandemic has led to a rise in domestic violence, termed the “shadow pandemic.” Reports indicate that 54% of women noted an increase in gender-based violence in their communities.
- 245 million women and girls aged 15 to 49 experienced violence from intimate partners in the first year of the pandemic.
- In a survey, nearly 50% of women reported knowing someone who experienced violence since the pandemic began.
Children also reported higher rates of violence during school closures. Caregivers indicated increased use of negative parenting methods.
Unpaid Labour and Caregiving
Women have historically performed more unpaid labour than men. The pandemic has intensified this issue.
- Women’s unpaid labour increased by 47% during the pandemic.
- Women from marginalised groups faced even greater challenges, including food insecurity and income loss.
Government Response and Support
Governments and organisations have initiated various support measures to assist women during the pandemic.
- Expanding public distribution systems (PDS) could improve access to essential products, including menstrual hygiene items.
- Universalising benefits of government schemes is crucial for economic recovery.
- Strengthening self-help groups (SHGs) can enhance women’s economic resilience.
Inclusive approaches should include support for single and divorced women, as well as informal workers.
Awareness and Education
Increasing awareness about reproductive health and available services is vital.
- Efforts through Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) can promote contraceptive use.
- Public campaigns can help inform women about available resources and support.
The Shadow Pandemic Campaign
UN Women launched the Shadow Pandemic campaign to raise awareness of domestic violence during COVID-19.
- The campaign marks the alarming rise in violence against women.
- Public service announcements aim to encourage support for victims.
Global Statistics on Violence Against Women
Before the pandemic, one in three women experienced physical or sexual violence.
- Emerging data shows increased calls to domestic violence helplines since COVID-19 began.
- Survivors often lack information about available services.
The Role of Society
Addressing the impact of COVID-19 on women requires collective action.
- Everyone has a role to play in supporting women’s rights and safety.
- Governments must prioritise violence against women in response and recovery efforts.
Future Directions
Investments in women’s issues are essential for long-term recovery.
- Universalising government schemes can help mitigate the pandemic’s impact.
- Focusing on women’s economic empowerment will benefit society as a whole.
