Women Lost $800 Billion in Income in 2020 Due to COVID-19: Report
Women are overrepresented in sectors hit hard by the pandemic, the Oxfam research found.
By Sophia Sun
LONDON, April 29 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) The COVID-19 crisis cost women around the world $800 billion in lost income in 2020, Oxfam said on Thursday, as it demanded steps to tackle gender inequality.
Women, overrepresented in low-paid, precarious sectors like retail, tourism, and food services, lost more than 64 million jobs last year, said the charity, a 5% total loss, compared to a 3.9% loss for men.
The pandemic has dealt a striking blow to recent gains for women in the workforce, said Oxfam Executive Director Gabriela Bucher, in a written statement.
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Why Global Citizens Should Care
Women and girls are being disproportionately affected by the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The United Nations’ Global Goal 5 calls for gender equality, and this can only happen if women and girls are centred in conversations about vaccine equity and bringing the pandemic to an end. Join the movement and take action here to help ensure that women and girls are not left behind.