Covid-19 and the issue of gender equality

Abstract

It is now clear that the COVID-19 pandemic is not only a global health emergency, but is also leading to a severe downturn in the global economy. In this study, we analyze how this economic downturn will affect women and men differently, and what the main long-term consequences for gender equality may be.
 This study begins by providing evidence that the effects of the current crisis on women and men are likely to be very different from those of other economic downturns. In recent recessions, such as the economic crisis of 2008, job losses for men have been much higher than for women. One reason was that relatively more men work in industries that are strongly affected by the “standard” downturn (such as manufacturing and construction), while women's employment is concentrated in less cyclical sectors such as health and education. In contrast, the current crisis is having a major impact on high-employment services, such as restaurants and hospitality.
 During the pandemic, most countries around the world decided to close schools and kindergartens. This has dramatically increased the need for child care. In addition, childcare provided by grandparents is currently not recommended due to higher mortality rates among the elderly, and due to social distancing measures, sharing childcare with neighbors and friends is also very limited.
 Thus, most families have no choice but to take care of their children on their own. Due to the existing division of responsibilities for child care in most families, mothers suffer more than parents. Single mothers, many of whom are both in Ukraine and abroad, and who often find themselves in a difficult economic situation, are hit hardest.