As we struggle
to move forward into a COVID-19 pandemic world we are destined to face a lot
many unknown obstacles in our way. With so many hurdles and complications, we
often tend to overlook the problems being endured by the women during these
tough and complex times. As the socioeconomic status of women and girls is
already marginalised it places them into an even more vulnerable situation
during emergencies. The pandemic being a global issue of concern has impacted
the society and community economically, socially, and culturally. It has not
only put women and girls in jeopardy economically but to all other social
monstrosities as well.
The COVID-19 pandemic has divulged
humankind to various different crises and distresses. Evolving evidence has
proposed that the pandemic will likely have a disproportionate impact on women
and girls, in regard to the economic scenario in comparison to the men of the
community, due to pre-existing discriminating economic norms and double
standards[1]. Women are
more likely to be involved and employed in the non-mobile and informal sector.
They are paid less in comparison to their male colleagues, have less access to
social protection, and so on. With the global outbreak of the pandemic, the
level of uncertainty and security has raised concern among the global citizens,
especially in women and girls stuck at homes without any source of proper
income at the moment. It has been reported that during the global economic
slowdown, the employers of both formal and informal sectors will be more
inclined towards women lay-offs as they are considered to be "less productive" than their
male colleagues[2].
The pandemic has not only affected the
socio-economic aspects for women but has also become an immediate life threat.
Women being directly involved in the health and nursing sector are more likely
to become affected in the battle of COVID-19. It has been reported that 67%[3] of women
are directly involved in health care work globally while 79%[4] of women
of the South-East Asia region are the health care and nursing staff.
As the pandemic plays havoc with humankind,
our community and society struggle with the challenges of violence that still
thrives and lives in the deep shadows of our world. The continuous and ongoing
battle against domestic violence has become an issue of concern for us all. The
violence against women and girls is increasing drastically globally. COVID-19
has not only affected the economic aspect of women's lives but it has gravely
impacted their struggle with domestic violence. There is a dire need to shield
and safeguard the women and girls enduring the domestic atrocities. They should
be freed from the clutches and cruelty of domestic violence.
The economic, social, and cultural distress
of pandemic is still at an early stage. It has been reported that the state
support for the welfare and safety net measures might be an effective approach
and can relive the widespread economic stress[5].
In case for women, it was observed that MGNREGA spending could be substantially
increased as women participate in it in higher numbers than men, and wage
inequality between men and women in MGNREGA is comparatively lower than in
other jobs[6]. The
domestic workers and home-based workers have a right to leave with pay during
the lockdown period and the government needs to ensure that they are not being
discriminated and deprived of their
rights. The governments should also ensure the due safety and security for
health care workers as well. The uphill battle with the pandemic is strenuous
and stressful for the humankind and to survive through this the humanity needs
to come together. It is the responsibility of global citizens to overcome all
the injustices and evolve towards a new era.
[1] Reliefweb.int
(2020), https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/policy-brief-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-women-en.pdf
(last visited Jun 24, 2020).
[2] The
COVID-19 Lockdown Will Ravage Prospects for India's Female Workforce, The Wire
(2020), https://thewire.in/women/coronavirus-women-economy (last visited Jun
24, 2020).
[3] Opinion
| Impact of COVID-19 on women in developing nations will be harsher, Livemint
(2020),
https://www.livemint.com/opinion/online-views/opinion-impact-of-covid-19-on-women-in-developing-nations-will-be-harsher-11587570543867.html
(last visited Jun 24, 2020).
[4]
Opinion
| Impact of COVID-19 on women in developing nations will be harsher, Livemint
(2020),
https://www.livemint.com/opinion/online-views/opinion-impact-of-covid-19-on-women-in-developing-nations-will-be-harsher-11587570543867.html
(last visited Jun 24, 2020).
[5] The COVID-19 Lockdown Will Ravage Prospects for India's Female
Workforce, The Wire (2020), https://thewire.in/women/coronavirus-women-economy
(last visited Jun 24, 2020).
[6] The COVID-19 Lockdown Will Ravage Prospects for India's Female
Workforce, The Wire (2020), https://thewire.in/women/coronavirus-women-economy
(last visited Jun 24, 2020).
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