COVID-19 and Gender Equality: A Call to Action for The Private Sector

The COVID-19 pandemic is putting an unprecedented and significant strain on the global economy and public health systems. It is also highlighting and magnifying inequalities and the multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination faced by women and girls. The pandemic is moving beyond a global health crisis and morphing into a labour market, social and economic crisis, posing a serious threat to women’s employment and livelihoods, especially in precarious informal and non-essential sectors. The private sector has a responsibility to use its power, influence and resources to protect the rights and physical and mental well-being of employees during this time, as well as to ensure long-term business recovery efforts restore economic stability.