Does the pandemic have a gender? An exploratory study about the Perceived Impact of COVID-19 measures on women and men in Ukraine and Belarus

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper examines the perceived effects of COVID-19 containment policies in Ukraine and Belarus, focusing on how these policies disproportionately affected men and women due to societal gender roles and stereotypes. The study uses document analysis, interviews with gender experts and activists, and a survey of 109 respondents to explore the different quarantine behaviours of men and women in the two countries. The analysis reveals how the virus was handled differently in the two countries, with Ukraine implementing strict lockdowns while Belarus downplayed the severity of the virus. In addition, the survey analysis was based on four dimensions - economic, social, healthcare and well-being, and civic empowerment - contributing to uncovering citizens' perceptions of the implications of the pandemic in their daily lives. The paper concludes by providing policy recommendations to address the economic and social impacts of the pandemic, as well as ways to better manage future health crises by addressing gender-specific needs.