Gendered Work and Barriers in Employment Increase Unjust Work–Life Imbalance for Women: The Need for Structural Responses

Abstract

As COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately and negatively impacted women, structural responses are needed to prevent and address work–life imbalance issues experienced by women every day. Gendered work and barriers in gaining employment have reduced women’s participation in paid work/employment. Most of those who are employed, experience unfair work–life imbalance as they end up working for paid job and as well as in their homes. The consequences of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns have further worsened their work–life imbalance. Most of those who have lost paid jobs have been experiencing significant financial and psychological stress and are doing more work than usual in their homes. To address these issues appropriate structural responses are warranted.