Celebrating women

NEXT week, the world will observe International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8.

However, it is a very different world to the one that marked the event in 2020. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we live, work and socialise.

The contribution of women has been clear throughout Covid-19. As healthcare workers, caregivers and community organisers, they have helped society through one of the most challenging periods in history.

But the pandemic has also shone a light on the hardships faced by women on a daily basis.

Data released by UN Women warned that the pandemic could put gender equality back by 25 years, due to women doing more domestic chores and care-giving.

Earlier this year, Eastern Eye investigated how the coronavirus crisis has impacted working mothers. Women spoke of the expectations put on them, which impacted their physical and mental wellbeing.

The UK government has been accused of “repeatedly failing to consider” the labour market and care inequalities faced by females over the last 12 months. There has also been a startling rise in domestic violence cases within the past year, with many charities warning that they are at breaking point.

The IWD theme for this year is ‘Choose to Challenge.’ We can all make the decision to challenge gender inequality and bias – and as women face the social and economic consequences from Covid, the need is more pressing than ever.