Explained: What are major women's issues during this pandemic?

Ground Report | New Delhi: What are major women's issues; Covid-19 has impacted very badly on each and every aspect or every part of the society especially women and poor peoples are suffering more in this pandemic. The pandemic and preventative measures have really emphasized society’s reliance on women, and the inequalities they have been facing for so long.

They are as working as the frontline workers in this  COVID-19, women are health professionals, community volunteers, transport and logistics managers, scientists, and more. And at home, women are facing increased unpaid care work responsibilities, as well as less access to sexual and reproductive health and an increased risk of domestic violence.

Domestic violence against women and girls.

Domestic violence cases are there even before the lockdown but in this pandemic, the cases are increasing rapidly. As economic and social stresses rise, and movement is restricted by lockdown and stay-at-home guidance, instances of violence are likely to increase. At home, survivors of domestic violence may be trapped with their abuser, with limited access to support services, healthcare, and justice systems.

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The difference in payments

In this pandemic women are playing an important role in our healthcare systems as midwives, nurses, doctors, and even in-home they are performing each of their tasks successfully but instead of this, there is a great difference in their employer pays.

Employment Opportunities

Even in a wealthy and developed country like the US, women still experience great disparity in the workforce: by some estimates, women earn only $0.77 for every $1 earned by men. Globally, the gender gap is even wider: women earn only one-tenth of the world's income, despite working two-thirds of the total working hours. Empowering women to earn their fair share can benefit their entire communities at large: women are generally more likely than men to invest more money back in their families and communities. (What are major women's issues?)

Digital gender differences

But not everyone can continue their education online while schools are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic because internet access remains a privilege. Many around the world, including girls from poor households, cannot participate in remote learning, since they lack the required tools, skills, and technologies.

It was already a dire disadvantage that girls, women, and marginalized groups are least likely to have access to technology, and as the COVID-19 pandemic has moved so many aspects of daily life online, the lack of connectivity has become even more alarming, exacerbating existing gender inequalities.

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Reproductive Health & Rights

225 million women in developing countries have an unmet need for family planning, which contributes to 74 million unplanned pregnancies and 36 million abortions each year, according to data cited by Women Deliver, a women's advocacy group. Helping women handle the construction of their child reduces unsafe abortions and maternal deaths by more than 70%, and conserves precious resources that would otherwise go toward pregnancy-related costs.

Instability and insecurity in their workplace

Women typically earn less and hold less secure jobs than men. With economic activity at a halt during the pandemic, women working in the informal sector have seen a dramatic decline in their capacity to earn a living. Adding on to the loss in income and paid work, many women are also juggling an increase in unpaid care and domestic work.

Period poverty and stigma

Even before the pandemic, women, and girls have been facing discrimination when they menstruate. In some parts of the world, they are seen as dirty, untouchable, or a disgrace. Whether it’s a lack of money to buy pads, tampons, or other products, access to toilets, or discriminatory laws and practices, women and girls, especially the world’s poorest, are deeply impacted by their periods. We must continue to speak up for the human right to manage periods safely and indignity, and promote safe sanitation at all times. (What are major women's issues?)

Child Marriage

An estimated 140 million girls will become child brides between 2011 and 2020. Girls who marry before the age of 18 are generally denied education, are at risk of complications related to premature birth and are more vulnerable to intimate partner violence.

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