THE EMERGENCE OF COVID-19 PRESENTS THE NEED TO ADDRESS THE EXACERBATED STRUCTURAL GENDER INEQUALITIES BEYOND THE PANDEMIC

Abstract

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic provided the world with the platform to address gender inequalities. Yet during pandemic, people were kept on lockdown at home and critical everyday activities were halted as part of efforts to curb its spread. This study found that over 1 billion children and youth were out of school, resulting in learning impairments for kids, particularly those from low-income families. Approximately 94% of the world's employees live in nations that have work closures. With the global economy plummeting by 5% in 2020, and without steps to protect the most vulnerable, the number of people living in severe poverty rose by 96 million in 2021. The pandemic and its economic ramifications have had a regressive influence on gender equality. This study argues for the continuing need to address structural gender inequalities and women’s issues.