Easing Lockdown: potential problems for women
This briefing explores the ‘second stage’ of Covid-19 response, considering gender dynamics to ensure women aren’t disadvantaged in the recovery.
UK Policy Briefing
Gain insights into the specific challenges encountered by disabled women amidst the Covid-19 pandemic in this report by the Women's Budget Group.
This briefing by The Women’s Budget Group, Fawcett Society, London School of Economics and Queen Mary University London shows that during lockdown a shocking six in ten disabled women are struggling to access necessities from the shops (63%), compared with 46% of non-disabled men 52% of non-disabled women. Six in ten disabled women also fear missing out on medicines, compared with 43% of non-disabled women and 37% of non-disabled men. They are also under significant financial pressure with a third (34%) of disabled women said that their household has nearly run out of money, compared with a fifth (24%) of non-disabled women and men (23%). Over a third (38%) of disabled mothers said they were struggling to feed their children.
This briefing reports on analysis of a survey of 3,280 individuals, including 678 disabled people (377 women and 301 men), conducted in April 2020. For further details see the methodology section below. It finds that:
This briefing explores the ‘second stage’ of Covid-19 response, considering gender dynamics to ensure women aren’t disadvantaged in the recovery.
COVID-19 disproportionately affects working-class women, with higher furlough rates, reduced hours, and mental health challenges.
The letter advocates for fair tax reform to fund vital services, address tax avoidance, and ensure corporations and the wealthy pay their share.
The WBG notes positive changes for parents on the way they work during COVID-19, calling for continued support of job flexibility.