We Women, Empower

Gender equality is not just a basic human right, but also a prerequisite for a world that is peaceful, affluent, and sustainable.

Over the last few decades, progress has been made: more girls are attending school, fewer girls are being coerced into early marriages, more women are serving in parliament and in positions of leadership, and laws are being modified to promote gender equality.

Despite these gains, many challenges remain: discriminatory laws and social norms persist, women continue to be underrepresented at all levels of political leadership. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to undo the modest progress that has been accomplished in terms of gender equality and women's rights. The coronavirus outbreak exacerbates existing inequities for women and girls in all areas, from health and economics to security and social protection.

Women have a disproportionately large part in the virus's response, notably as frontline healthcare workers and at-home caregivers. As a result of school closures and the rising requirements of the elderly, women's unpaid care work has expanded dramatically. Women are also disproportionately affected by COVID-19's economic effects, as they work in uncertain labor markets. Nearly 60% of women are employed in the informal economy, putting them at increased risk of poverty.

The pandemic has also resulted in an uptick in violence directed at women and girls. Many women are confined at home with their abusers as a result of lockdown measures, unable to access services that are being curtailed or restricted. According to new research, violence against women and girls – notably domestic violence – has increased since the epidemic began.

sources: https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/vertical-portrait-young-woman-wearing-mask-giving-speech-standing-podium-against-black-background-speaking-stage-204803144.jpg

https://blog-pfm.imf.org/.a/6a00e54ef0059588340278803b8970200d-450wi