. Women tend to be the backbone of society during crises, even as they are also more likely to face the disproportionate impacts of such events. The Covid-19 pandemic is no different.
It has severely exacerbated existing gendered barriers, widened India’s gender gap in the workforce, and affected (overwhelmingly female) caregivers and frontline workers.
Moreover, Dalberg conducted one of the largest studies of the socio-economic impacts of Covid-19 on women in low-income households, which pointed out that there is a multi-generational impact of poor nutrition, lack of access to contraceptives, and debt.
Impact on Women
More Women Unemployed: Women were more affected than men by employment issues. Women made up just 24% of those working before the pandemic, yet accounted for 28% of all those who lost their jobs.
Issues of Food Insecurity: Loss in incomes for women as well as their households led to reduction in food supply and women were affected more than other members of the family. ¾ Issues of Reproductive Health: Women’s health indicators also deteriorated because they could no longer afford contraception and menstrual products.
