Women, urbanites uniquely affected

Women, people in urban areas and those on the move have been disproportionately and uniquely affected by the devastating socioeconomic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This crisis has caused increased unemployment and poverty, food insecurity; a higher vulnerability to violence; and a loss of education and reduced opportunities for children. It has also exacerbated mental health issues.

The findings were revealed in a new research published by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Monday.

Francesco Rocca, president of the IFRC, said, “Our research shows what we have long suspected and feared, namely that the destructive secondary impacts of this pandemic have damaged the fabric of our society and will be felt for years, if not decades, to come.”

“People who were already vulnerable, due to conflict, climate change, and poverty, have been pushed further towards the edge. And many people who were previously able to cope have become vulnerable, needing humanitarian support for the first time in their lives.”

The new research provides a global overview, with a special focus on Afghanistan, Colombia, El Salvador, Iraq, Kenya, Lebanon, Philippines, Spain, South Africa and Turkey.

Overall, women had more significant impacts on their income, were at greater risk of Covid due to caregiving roles, were more exposed to sexual and gender-based violence and experienced mental health impacts to a greater degree than men.

In urban areas, poverty rates grew, in some cases at a faster pace than in rural areas.

People on the move were more likely to lose jobs or have their hours cut during the pandemic and have been widely neglected by formal protection and safeguarding measures.