‘Disproportionate impact of virus on women must be tackled by Stormont’
show that 79% of health and social care staff are women, 85% of part-time workers are women, while 70% of workers ineligible for statutory sick pay are women and face losing their income if they stay at home.”
The 126-page report calls for emergency economic and social measures across a wide range of issues. It states that it will be impossible to transition out of lockdown without tackling the need for universal and free childcare.
Ms Powell said: “Inequalities facing women have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, and childcare is no exception. Many women face stark choices between their work and childcare commitments, as school closures and limited access to childcare settings creates significant challenges for families.
“We are calling on the Northern Ireland Executive and all ministerial departments to work with the women’s sector and childcare sector to develop an effective strategy that will address these inequalities.”
The report points out
that many women working from home are also trying to look after children and home-school.
It claims that despite vast evidence highlighting the social and economic effect of Covid-19 on women, the Executive has largely ignored the gender implications of the crisis.
If this continues, women will suffer disproportionately for many years beyond the pandemic with decades of progress on equality lost, it argues.
“If the Executive truly wants end gender inequality in
to
Northern Ireland, we need to see a commitment to substantive acknowledgement of the gendered harms of Covid-19 and meaningful steps to address these,” it states.
“We want to work with the Government, and all departments, to ensure that all policymakers are aware of the negative impact certain policy decisions are having on women.
“We have the expertise to inform Covid-19 recovery planning and we have the evidence needed to inform relevant strategies, legislation and the programme for government.”
The plan has been supported by the all-party group on women, peace and security. MLAS and civil servants are expected to attend the online launch of the document today and to pledge support to bring forward its recommendations.