On June 16, 2022, the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship hosted a Zoom event chaired by Dr. Maitrayee Mukhopadhyay. The discussion, featuring Dr. Naila Kabeer, Lina Abou Habib, and Jashodhara Dasgupta, explored the pandemic’s impact through the lens of gender inequalities. The event highlighted how the pandemic disproportionately affected marginalized groups, including women, minorities, and migrant workers, due to existing social and economic disparities.

The pandemic exacerbated gender-based inequalities, affecting women’s employment, particularly in sectors hit hardest economically, like hospitality and healthcare. Women, especially in informal and low-wage sectors, faced higher job losses and greater exposure to domestic violence. Community-based female workers in India, labeled as part-time volunteers, experienced increased responsibilities without corresponding recognition or fair wages. The pandemic underscored the need for systemic changes in public health and social protection to address these disparities effectively.

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Watch the full recording here: