Feminist Economic Recovery and Transformation of the Care System

Economic fallout from COVID-19 has had a harsher impact on women, who are disproportionately represented in sectors offering low wages, scarce benefits and job security. The situation is worse for women living in the Global South, women and girls in poverty, and racialized and disabled women. That has come at a cost of at least $800 billion in lost wages for those in formal employment. As we move from emergency measures to long-term recovery, governments around the world must seize this opportunity to build more equal, more inclusive economies for all that also account for climate impact and responsibility to future generations. A fair and sustainable economic recovery is one that supports women’s employment and unpaid care work through strong social safety nets and vibrant care infrastructures, that develops caring economies and cares for the planet. Recovery from COVID-19 is impossible without women recovering.