Critical measures are required to return women to work

According to the World Bank, critical measures need to be taken during the COVID-19 pandemic recovery to return women to work and get them back on the path to gender equality.

We all know that Gender equality is a fundamental human right and a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. There has been progress over the last decades. However, the pandemic has intensified the problem.

Global director of the World Bank Group, Caren Grown, announced that the coronavirus pandemic has worsened existing gender gaps, and now more than ever, additional efforts are required to move women forward.

Grown announced that while everyone has undergone the same storm, it has really differentially affected men and women.

For example, although the death rate from coronavirus disease has generally been higher among men, women have been more adversely affected socially and economically.

One of the reasons for it is women’s disproportionate representation in hard-hit industries, such as hospitality and tourism, and the additional caregiving duties they typically face.

further financial and caregiving support is needed to get women back on the path to gender equality

Another essential thing to mention is that before the Covid-19 pandemic crash, the World Bank announced that it could take 150 years for women to achieve gender equality with men. Unfortunately, the health crisis has likely enlarged that timeline.

Grown said that to help overcome those inequalities, ensuring equitable access to vaccines would be critical. Remarkably, that includes making sure women have the time and means to make their appointments.

Additionally, further financial and caregiving support is required to get the hardest-hit women back on their feet and into work.

She also added that more safeguards need to be put in place against gender-based abuse.

According to Grown, something that has been exposed during this pandemic is the increase in gender-based violence. She also added that we actually have to put in place stronger responses and preventative measures.