Inequality highlighted

WOMEN are bearing the brunt of some of the more harmful impacts of the pandemic, according to a Perth charity.

Rebecca McClune, of Gender Equality Perth, pictured with co-founder Helen Reid, right, said clear divides had been emerging since the organisation was set up last August.

She said: “Throughout Covid19, there has been an increase in violence against women, and the disparity in caring and household duties has been increased and emphasised.

“Women also represent the majority of workers on zero-hours contracts in the UK and so have been hit harder during the pandemic than men.”

The group intends to hold online discussion events next month to spread the word about its activities and set out plans to tackle issues at a local level.

An award from the Perth Common Good Fund will allow it to run an equal parenting discussion group later this year.

The charity is also applying for funding for a 12-month programme of events for Perth Women’s Collective, which could include speakers, workshops, a feminist book club and film club.