The Gendered Impact of COVID-19

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, we know that the current crisis will amplify existing gender, racial, economic and political inequalities and impact those most marginalized, including women, LGBTIQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, the elderly, the poor, and the displaced. The current crisis is likely to have a distinct and disproportionate impact on women, whether it is due to increasing risk of gender-based violence, lack of access to necessary sexual and reproductive healthcare, greater caregiving responsibilities, losing employment or working without adequate protective equipment. Still, women continue to lead efforts to protect and serve their communities, as leaders and policy makers, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and as workers supporting essential infrastructure.

Communities in every corner of the globe, including those mired in conflict, are already – or will soon be – confronting this crisis. Addressing the gendered impact of COVID-19 and ensuring that the voices of women from conflict-affected communities continue to be heard by policy-makers in New York couldn’t be more important at this moment – because we know that defending women’s rights is as critical for maintaining peace and security as it is to effectively addressing the current pandemic.

The NGOWG remains dedicated to carrying out our mandate – ensuring that civil society is included in the important decisions being made at the Security Council in New York, and to defending and advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda – during this important year.

Below, we share resources from our members on the gender and human rights dimensions of the current crisis that we hope can help guide responses to COVID-19. This list of resources will continue to be updated as new information and publications become available.

 

Americas at a Crossroads in Response to COVID-19

Bangladesh: COVID-19 response flaws put older Rohingya refugees in imminent danger

South Asia: As COVID-19 spreads, fears rise for people at higher risk

Gender Implications of COVID-19 Outbreaks in Development and Humanitarian Settings

Gender Implications of COVID-19: Executive Summary

Global Rapid Gender Analysis for COVID-19

COVID-19 Could Condemn Women to Decades of Poverty

In the Face of COVID-19 Pandemic, Sexual and Reproductive Health Services are Essential
Countering COVID-19 in Afghanistan

COVID-19 Response in Iraq: ‘Our Domestic Violence Hotlines Keep Ringing’

COVID-19: A Cover for Crackdowns and an Impetus for Peace

The Engendered Impact of COVID-19 in Libya

Human Rights Dimensions of COVID-19 Response: Address disproportionate impacts on women and girls

Respect Rights in COVID-19 Response

Myanmar Denials Define COVID-19 Response

Protect Rights of People with Disabilities During COVID-19

A Practical Approach to Prevent, Address, and Document Domestic Violence under COVID-19

Care and Connection in Crisis: Feminist Strategy to Confront COVID-19

 

Ideas for a Pro-Poor and Pro-Women Approach to COVID-19

Our COVID-19 humanitarian response must move beyond borders

Whatever it Takes: a rapid and massive increase in aid is needed to save millions of lives

 

LBTI Caucus Statement in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

OutRight Action International Launches OutRight TV to Share LGBTIQ People’s Stories Amid a Global Pandemic

Vulnerability Amplified: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on LGBTIQ People

OutRight on BBC Radio Newshour about the Impact of COVID-19 on LGBTIQ People

Responding to the COVID-19 Crisis while Protecting Asylum Seekers

Gender Matters: COVID-19’s Outsized Impact on Displaced Women and Girls

COVID-19: What has COVID-19 Taught Us about Neoliberalism?

COVID-19: “Waging War” Against a Virus is NOT What We Need to Be Doing

COVID-19: From Ceasefire to Divestment and Disarmament

COVID-19: Turning Swords into Ventilators? Or is it Ventilators into Swords?

COVID-19: Our Response Must Match the Male Leaders’ War on the Pandemic

COVID-19: Women’s Leadership Sets the Example

COVID-19 at the Intersection of Gender and Disability
 

Responding to the COVID-19 Crisis while Protecting Asylum Seekers

Women’s Refugee Commission Calls for Inclusive and Gender-Sensitive Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

We Cannot Abandon Migrant and Refugee Women During the COVID-19 Crisis

 

Additional Resources

Kasiyanna: Particular Challenges of Indigenous Peoples in Facing COVID-19
Action: Call for a Feminist COVID-19 Policy
Call to Action: Now and the Future – COVID-19 and Gender Equality, Global Peace and Security
Tools and Resources for Thematic Areas (Country-Specific)
UN’s COVID-19 Response must reach girls, women and refugees

How will COVID-19 Affect Girls and Young Women?

Living Under Lockdown: Girls and COVID-19

We owe a debt of gratitude to midwives saving lives during the COVID-19 pandemic
Paying attention to women’s needs and leadership will strengthen COVID-19 response
Putting a gender lens on COVID-19

Photo: The UN Security Council Votes on Resolution 2493 (2019). (UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe)