COVID-19 and Its Impact on Women: From Domestic Burdens to Economic Problems and Increased Domestic Violence
The COVID-19 pandemic is a global public health crisis, but its effects extend beyond health concerns to exacerbate existing gender issues. This article explores how the pandemic has intensified challenges for women, from domestic burdens to economic hardships and rising domestic violence.
(First published in Thai, with some rewriting here.)
1. Domestic Burdens
The pandemic has brought to light the longstanding issue of domestic labor being disproportionately shouldered by women. Traditionally, women have been responsible for household chores, caregiving, and other domestic tasks. This expectation often leads to increased stress, especially during crises like COVID-19.
With schools closing and remote work becoming the norm, women with full-time jobs face heightened challenges. They must manage both professional responsibilities and increased domestic duties, often with little respite. In many cases, ‘working from home’ has simply meant ‘working from another location,’ as household tasks remain their responsibility.
In Thailand, the situation is compounded by the country’s political instability and inadequate pandemic response. The current government’s handling of the crisis has been criticized for its inefficacy, further straining resources and support systems. This has amplified the domestic burden on women, who are left to navigate both work and home responsibilities with limited support.
2. Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is another critical issue exacerbated by the pandemic. According to the World Health Organization, one in three women globally has experienced gender-based violence, often from intimate partners. The lockdowns and social distancing measures have trapped many women with their abusers, making it harder for them to seek help or escape.
In Thailand, reports have emerged of increased domestic violence during the pandemic. Women have faced difficulties in accessing support services due to movement restrictions and a lack of resources. The stress of the pandemic, combined with economic uncertainty, has led to an increase in domestic violence incidents.
In China, similar issues have been reported, with domestic violence cases rising significantly. Hashtags like #AntiDomesticViolenceDuringEpidemic on social media highlight the urgency of addressing this problem. The question remains: how can governments and societies effectively support those experiencing domestic violence during such times?
3. Caretakers at Risk
The pandemic has highlighted the critical role of healthcare workers, a majority of whom are women. According to the World Health Organization, 70% of public health and social workers are women, putting them at higher risk of COVID-19 infection.
In Wuhan, where the outbreak originated, 90% of frontline workers are women. The high rate of infection among healthcare workers, with approximately 3,300 reported cases in China, underscores the heightened risk for women in these roles. The potential for unknowingly transmitting the virus to vulnerable family members further complicates their situation.
4. Economic Burdens
The economic impact of the pandemic has disproportionately affected women, especially those in low-income and service sector jobs. Women are more likely to be employed in industries heavily hit by the pandemic, such as cafes, restaurants, and retail.
In Thailand, as in many other countries, economic uncertainties have increased. Women in these sectors face job losses and financial instability, exacerbating their vulnerability. The lack of job security and access to benefits makes it difficult for them to cope with the economic fallout of the pandemic.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored and amplified existing gender inequalities. Women face heightened domestic burdens, increased risk of domestic violence, and economic hardships as a result of the pandemic. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including targeted policies and support systems to mitigate the impact on women.
References:
- Coronavirus: Five ways virus upheaval is hitting women in Asia
- Women’s domestic burden just got heavier with the coronavirus
- For some people, social distancing means being trapped indoors with an abuser
- As Cities Around the World Go on Lockdown, Victims of Domestic Violence Look for a Way Out
- How women could be uniquely impacted by the coronavirus
- How Women Will Bear the Brunt of This Pandemic
