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How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected gender welfare policies globally?

Glenwood Tardiff

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on gender welfare policies around the world. The pandemic has highlighted the existing inequalities within our societies, particularly those related to gender, and has brought to the forefront the need for a more equitable and sustainable approach to welfare policies.

One of the key ways in which COVID-19 has affected gender welfare policies globally is through the increased recognition of the role of unpaid care work, which is often performed by women. With lockdowns and social distancing mandates in place, the burden of care for children, the elderly, and the sick has fallen disproportionately on women, who have had to juggle these responsibilities while also trying to work from home or maintain their livelihoods. This has highlighted the need for policies that recognize and value unpaid care work, such as paid family leave and access to affordable and quality child care.

Another area where COVID-19 has had an impact on gender welfare policies is in terms of economic security for women. The pandemic has had a significant impact on the job market, with women being disproportionately affected by job losses and reduced working hours. This has highlighted the need for policies that provide economic security for women, such as paid sick leave, unemployment benefits, and emergency support for small businesses.

The pandemic has also highlighted the need for policies that address gender-based violence, which has increased during the pandemic due to lockdowns and social isolation. Many women have been trapped at home with their abusers, and the pandemic has underscored the need for policies that provide support and protection for victims of domestic violence, such as shelters and hotlines.

In addition, COVID-19 has emphasized the importance of access to healthcare, particularly for women and marginalized populations. The pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of health systems globally, highlighting the need for policies that prioritize investment in health security, including access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services.

Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the existing inequalities within our societies and highlighted the need for gender-sensitive welfare policies that ensure the well-being and economic security of women. It is our responsibility as a global community to take steps towards building more equitable and sustainable societies, and gender welfare policies should be at the forefront of these efforts.