Gender Equality Update No. 14 | Gender in the COVID-19 Response

With the wor ld responding to the COVID-19 virus, it is important to consider response and recovery mechanisms through a gender lens. While wom en, as caregivers, breadwinners and health care workers, play critical roles in times of crisis, many of the impacts of COVID-19 are affect ing women the most, exacerbating pre-existing social and economic inequalities, barriers and discrimination in their homes and communities.

In Nepal, wit h nine confirmed cases as of 6 April 2020, the government has placed the entire country on lockdown from the 24th March 2020. While t he strict measures are required to contain the spread, they will also lead to long-lasting socio-economic consequences for the country. In this context, preparedness, response and recovery efforts can lead to better outcomes if the voices of those most vulnerable ar e brought into decision-making, defining their roles and specific needs in terms of protection, response and recovery. Considering the gendered impact of COVID-19 globally, UN Women Nepal is coordinating with women’s groups and excluded groups to enhance the gender-responsiveness of all response and recovery efforts.