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Gabriela Harton, Executive Director of Oxfam International, noted, “The economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic is disproportionately affecting women, who dominate low-wage, insecure job sectors. Instead of addressing this disparity, governments have treated women’s employment as expendable.” This conservative estimate doesn’t even account for millions of women working informally—such as domestic workers and market vendors—who have either lost their jobs or seen their hours and incomes drastically reduced. “COVID-19 has severely undermined recent progress made by women in the workforce,” she added.
Consider the reality: since the pandemic began, women have shouldered the majority of caregiving responsibilities. “Mothers have effectively bailed out governments and businesses by providing unpaid labor to care for children and family members during this crisis, compromising their own wealth, health, and well-being,” said Lila Johnson, Associate Director of Women’s Economic Empowerment at Oxfam America.
Women in the Workforce
In the U.S., 64% of the 22.2 million workers in the lowest-paying industries are women. These low-wage positions, as identified by the National Women’s Law Center, include roles such as waitstaff, cashiers, childcare providers, housekeepers, and home health aides. Women also constitute about 70% of the global health and social care workforce. “Employers offering no paid sick or family leave have put us in a tough position—choosing between caring for our children or keeping our jobs,” Johnson explained.
The lack of childcare availability has undoubtedly been a significant factor pushing women out of the workforce. With schools shifting to virtual learning, mothers have had to rearrange their work schedules to accommodate their children’s needs. For those who relied on before-and-after school care, the situation became even more challenging. Working from home while managing kids has turned into a juggling act, with weekdays often revolving around snacks, emails, and Zoom calls. Even with two parents at home, it’s likely that the mother remained the primary caregiver.
Essential Workers and Childcare Challenges
Moreover, many parents were not afforded the option to work remotely. Numerous essential sectors, predominantly staffed by women, required employees to be on-site. For those in high-contact roles such as retail or healthcare, the dilemma became whether to keep their jobs at the potential cost of their health. In the U.S., a significant portion of women working in essential roles—like grocery stores, retail, and food services—are women of color, who faced job losses of 9.1% and 8.4% for Latinx and Black women, respectively, in December 2020. The intertwined challenges of low wages and scarce childcare options compounded their struggles.
Finding and maintaining childcare options has been an uphill battle for many women. Some have had to resign to care for children engaged in virtual learning, while others faced closed daycare centers. It’s crucial to recognize that many childcare facilities are run by women, often women of color, further complicating the issue. Lockdown measures forced many daycare centers to limit their capacity, leading to closures. An article from Intelligencer highlighted that “an economic downturn coupled with restrictions on work and movement has put many childcare providers and centers out of business.” Prioritizing care for single parents in need posed difficult challenges, particularly for essential workers.
Government Support and Future Outlook
While some relief is on the horizon, the U.S. government has yet to provide adequate support for mothers. President Biden has allocated $39 billion towards rebuilding childcare as part of his American Rescue Plan, stating that it aims to create better jobs for caregiving workers. This is a promising step, but it barely scratches the surface compared to the financial support offered to corporations or the national defense budget.
Additionally, the Child Care Tax Credit has seen significant changes. For 2020 taxes, families may claim credits for childcare expenses incurred while working. The American Rescue Plan has made the credit refundable for those residing in the U.S. for half the year, and it has increased the credit amount and expanded eligible expenses. These changes are currently applicable only to 2021 taxes, although lawmakers are advocating for permanent adjustments.
The journey ahead to improve conditions for women remains long. However, the pandemic has highlighted the essential roles women play in sustaining economies. The future will reveal whether substantial changes will occur, but the current trajectory is unsustainable.
Further Reading
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Summary
The pandemic has had a profound and disproportionate impact on women globally, particularly those in caregiving roles. Job losses and economic instability have forced many women to sacrifice their careers while managing increased caregiving responsibilities at home. The lack of childcare options has compounded these challenges, especially for women of color and those in low-wage jobs. Recent government initiatives, while promising, still fall short of addressing the full scope of these issues.