The COVID-19 crisis has undoubtedly geopolitical and geo-economic ramifications worldwide, but today we have heard how the societies will get affected and therein lies the role of women. Countries all over the world prioritise governance and developmental measures that seek to enhance gender parity and equality. However, in many spheres, women are still working assiduously to catch up. There are indeed challenges that perpetuate gender inequality but women, even in these times, are not only the backbone of the family but an important pillar of the society.
The objective of the ‘New Normal’ series second dialogue was to analyse the impact of corona outbreak through a gender lens. The second Dialogue shed light on the disproportionate impact of this unprecedented crisis on women which has been instrumental in widening the gender gaps affecting gender equality equation across all verticals.
Key Takeaways:
-Women have always dreamt of a New Normal which does not relegate women as a second gender or to a secondary role and where there is equality between men and women with respect to equality, human rights, right to vote, gender parity and so on.
-The pandemic has impacted economic and social aspects of women including loss of jobs for women in the unorganized sectors, health issues, domestic violence, pay gaps and so on.
-Now is the time to stop the backtracking of gender issues and focus on the impacts
of the COVID-19 crisis.
-Research shows that the mortality rates in men is higher than women and this is due to the genetic constitution of women.
-There is a need to focus on economic security and health concerns of women as well as to instigate capacity building programmes in the present pandemic situation.
-Women deserve better healthcare facilities; employment and economic opportunities with flexi hours as well as technological facilities.
-In terms of employment, women are being paid less and their financial status has resulted in deteriorating physical and mental health.
-The women frontline workers as well as Anganwadi and Asha workers are vulnerable to contract the disease is high plus they serve long duty hours, and don’t get to see their families, face social stigma and repudiation. They need to be provided with protective gear, higher pay-scale and better healthcare facilities.
-In terms of workload, women have to balance both domestic responsibilities and career and the issue of unequal sharing of domestic chores is persistent.
-As per the data recorded in the past few week, cases of domestic violence have risen across sections of the society specifically in the marginalised sections.
-This challenge needs to be dealt by shaping national policy responses around women and girls through inclusion, representation, rights, social and economic outcomes, equality and protection.
-A strong welfare state with equitable effective social policies in consultation with the social sectors which cut across spectrum of caste, gender and cater to the vulnerable, is the need of the hour.
-Government should advocate policies to empower women and their participation in the economic and political sphere through increasing workspaces for them.
-Social protection measures for migrant women, women in seasonal employment and Agri sector as well as unorganised and informal sector, is crucial
-10% of working capital has been made available to MSMEs by the Government and the need of the hour is to transit from employment to self-employment where there is a need for providing working capital for women entrepreneurs
-There is a need for gender responsive relief and stimulus packages and social protection measures as well as gender responsive budgeting. A transformative financing and gender budgeting which is an important policy tool for accountability, both political and financial in a macroeconomic framework
-There should be smart and sustainable allocation of resources and proper utilisation of emergency funds.