The impacts of COVID-19 on women & marginalized groups: why a feminist human rights-based approach to recovery is vital

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Date
2022-03-25
Authors
Laurin, Sydney
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Abstract

The COVID-19 crisis has been devastating for everyone, however, women are experiencing disproportionate economic, social, and health impacts. Using an intersectional gender lens, this qualitative research paper explores seven key areas in which women have been adversely affected in comparison to men, namely: the shouldering of unpaid care responsibilities, overrepresentation in frontline responses, weakening of economic security, increased gender-based violence (GBV), diminished sexual and reproductive health, financial devastation of the women’s sector and a growing digital divide. Due to pre-existing structural inequalities prior to the COVID-19 crisis, individuals who are racialized, immigrant, migrant or undocumented, disabled, low-income, or a part of the LGBTQ+ community have felt these burdens the most. By examining our current political economy, decisions made in past crises, and the economic benefits of gender equality, this paper discusses the unique window of opportunity the pandemic presents to correct past mistakes and commit to transformative social change. The paper argues that Canada’s COVID-19 recovery plan must be thoughtful and inclusive, prioritizing gender justice and economic and social rights for everyone. The paper concludes by providing various short-term policy solutions to aid in the mitigation of the pandemic's gendered effects, as well as an initial framework of seven potential policy areas in which to focus and allocate resources in the long term.

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COVID-19, Gender, Human rights-based
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