Abstract
It is 2021. The world is reeling from the ravages of a merciless pandemic that knew no borders and killed at will. When scientific collaboration, market forces and societal will resulted in the creation, testing, approval and deployment of multiple vaccines that may yet stop the virus in its tracks. Where most were forced to live apart, and yet joined up like never before.
 And yet, it has been a year where the privileges of a few were starkly overshadowed by the destitution of many. A year where inherent societal inequalities in many nations were held in sharp focus. Where the poor and disadvantaged were much more likely to be infected and die of the virus, and where untreated premorbid conditions hastened their demise. Many governments used the necessary restrictions of civil liberties to their advantage, and many congregated to protest.
 Where do women feature in this? The author explores the impact of inequalities on women and why women do need to stand up for equality and justice, now more than ever before.
Highlights
WHERE DO WOMEN FIT IN ALL THIS?Against all odds, and fighting many deeply entrenched prejudices, many women have emerged as leading lights in their fields
The Oxford/Astra-Zeneca vaccine was developed by a team led by a woman[1], countries led by women reportedly fared better during the pandemic[2], a woman with Indian and African ancestry created history and helped oust a divisive American leader
Women have given birth and suffered miscarriages in isolation 6, were less able to participate in leisure and self-improvement activities, were less likely to job-seek when restrictions were lifted[7], become poor and more dependent on their partners’ incomes, all the while suffering a greater rise in the proportion of unpaid household work that inevitably increased during the pandemic
Summary
Fighting many deeply entrenched prejudices, many women have emerged as leading lights in their fields. Many countries have constitutionally protected affirmative action or reservation policies in employment and education with the purpose of allowing better opportunities to historically marginalised groups This has resulted in some betterment in representation but has often resulted in stigmatisation or isolation of those admitted to such positions. When affirmative action is not mandated, ‘positive action’ in getting better female representation is helpful This begins with enabling more women to have access to training opportunities to apply to higher paid jobs, providing supporting maternity benefits, widening recruitment pools to a more diverse work force and supporting culture change within organisations that allows a wider view of leadership. Several countries worldwide have introduced quotas for female representation in politics; for example, a 1993 constitutional amendment in India introduced a 30% mandated female representation in village and district council elections It appears that with time, this produces benefits. This is a highly commendable step and should be emulated by other Medical Royal Colleges[21]
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