The Impact of the Pandemic on Women Globally

Gabriela Torres, Executive Director of Oxfam International, stated, “The economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have disproportionately affected women, who are overrepresented in low-wage sectors with minimal benefits and job security.” This conservative estimate does not account for the wages lost by women working in the informal economy, including domestic workers and market vendors, who have faced significant cuts in hours and pay. The pandemic has reversed many of the advancements women made in the workforce.

The burden of responsibility for families has fallen heavily on women. Mara Johnson, Associate Director of Women’s Economic Empowerment at Oxfam America, remarked, “Mothers have effectively supported governments and businesses through their unpaid labor during this crisis, compromising their own financial security and well-being.”

In the U.S., women account for 64 percent of the 22.2 million workers in the lowest-paying industries, which include roles such as waitstaff, cashiers, and childcare providers. Globally, women represent about 70 percent of the health and social care workforce. “Employers who do not provide paid sick or family leave have put us in a tough position, forcing us to choose between caring for our children or staying employed,” Johnson added.

The lack of childcare has been a significant factor in women’s exit from the workforce. As schools transitioned to virtual learning, many mothers found it difficult to balance work with their children’s educational needs. As a result, working moms often had to juggle multiple responsibilities while managing the demands of their kids and their partners.

However, many parents did not have the option to work from home. A large number of women working in essential sectors, such as retail and healthcare, had to make tough choices about their health and job security. In the U.S., women of color, particularly Latinx and Black women, were hit hard, with job losses of 9.1 percent and 8.4 percent, respectively, due to a combination of low-paying jobs and inadequate childcare options.

For many women, the search for reliable childcare proved to be an uphill battle. Some had no choice but to leave their jobs to care for children engaged in virtual learning or due to closed daycare centers. This situation disproportionately affected women, especially women of color, who often work in childcare roles themselves. The economic downturn and restrictions have caused many childcare providers to shut down, making it even more challenging to access care.

As children return to school, some pressure on childcare may ease, but without widespread vaccination, the issue remains pressing. “For women everywhere, the burden of unpaid care work has surged. In a time of increased care needs, women—the backbone of our communities—have stepped up,” said Torres.

In the U.S., while there is still a long way to go in offering adequate support to mothers, the Biden administration has included caregivers in its American Rescue Plan. A significant investment of $39 billion has been allocated to rebuild the childcare system, promoting better working conditions for caregivers. This is a crucial first step, albeit a modest one when compared to corporate bailouts.

Additionally, the expansion of the Child Care Tax Credit is a positive change. For 2021, this credit is refundable for those living in the U.S. for at least half the year, allowing for increased amounts and more options for eligible expenses. Currently, this applies only to 2021 taxes, but there are efforts underway to make these changes permanent.

The pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for systemic changes to support women. It has forced a recognition of the vital roles they play in sustaining our societies, but it remains to be seen how lasting changes will occur.

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In summary, the pandemic has disproportionately affected women worldwide, especially those in caregiving roles. The loss of jobs and increased responsibilities at home have created significant challenges, highlighting the need for systemic changes to support women in the workforce.

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