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Gabriela Johnson, Director of Oxfam International, commented, “The economic repercussions of the COVID-19 crisis have hit women harder, as they are primarily employed in low-wage, precarious jobs. Instead of addressing this issue, governments have treated women’s employment as expendable.” This figure does not even account for the earnings lost by millions of women in informal sectors—such as domestic workers and market vendors—who faced job interruptions or significant reductions in hours and pay. “COVID-19 has severely undermined the progress made in women’s workforce participation,” Johnson added.
Consider the reality: since the pandemic began, women have shouldered the bulk of family responsibilities. Mara Bolis, Associate Director of Women’s Economic Empowerment at Oxfam America, noted, “Mothers have effectively propped up governments and businesses through their unpaid labor during this crisis, all while sacrificing their own financial stability and wellbeing.”
In the U.S., women make up 64% of the workforce in the lowest-paying jobs, such as waitressing, cashiering, and childcare. Such positions often pay less than $12 an hour, according to the National Women’s Law Center. Globally, women represent approximately 70% of those working in health and social care.
The lack of childcare has been a significant factor driving women out of the workforce. With schools closing and transitioning to online learning, mothers had to adjust their work schedules around their children’s needs. Many working moms faced an unprecedented juggling act, balancing professional responsibilities with the demands of home life, often with little support.
Moreover, many parents did not have the option to work from home. The sectors deemed “essential” employed a considerable number of women. Those in high-contact jobs, such as retail and healthcare, faced tough choices: was it worth risking exposure to COVID-19 to keep their jobs? The data shows that women of color were especially impacted, with significant job losses reported among Latinx and Black women.
Childcare facilities, which are frequently run by women, faced their own challenges during the pandemic. Lockdowns forced many to close, drastically reducing available spots. An article from Intelligencer pointed out that the combination of economic downturn and restrictions led many childcare providers to shut down. As the situation evolves, the need for childcare solutions remains pressing, especially with summer approaching.
As the pandemic has exacerbated the burden of unpaid care work, women have stepped up to fill the gaps, becoming the backbone of their families and communities. While President Biden’s American Rescue Plan includes provisions for caregivers, such as a $39 billion investment in childcare infrastructure, it is still a drop in the bucket compared to the overall economic support offered to other sectors.
The expansion of the Child Care Tax Credit is another positive move. For the 2020 tax year, those who paid for childcare while working may qualify for credits, and changes for 2021 have made the credit more accessible and potentially larger for eligible families. Advocates are pushing for these changes to become permanent.
The ongoing journey toward gender equity in the workplace has been laid bare by the pandemic, highlighting the essential roles women play in sustaining our economies. As we move forward, the hope is that these lessons will prompt lasting change to better support women everywhere.
For more insights, check out this post on the challenges faced during this time here. Additionally, for those interested in more resources, Make a Mom offers valuable guidance on home insemination, while UCSF provides excellent resources related to pregnancy.
Summary
The pandemic has disproportionately impacted women worldwide, with massive job losses and increased caregiving responsibilities. Many women have been forced to leave the workforce due to childcare shortages and the demands of remote learning. Despite some government support measures, significant gaps remain in addressing the needs of women, particularly those in low-wage jobs.
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