The Global Pandemic and Long-term Consequences for Gender Equality in the Labour Market

Research has highlighted the wide-ranging economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for working women globally. First, women were the majority among frontline workers in healthcare and the service sector, both highly affected by the pandemic and lockdowns. Second, women took on the lion’s share of the increased amount of unpaid work caused by school and childcare closures. Yet, evidence suggests that any immediate negative impact on women’s labour market position has been more modest in the EU compared with the U.S., an observation explained by differences in protective labour market policies, the length of school closures and the degree of teleworking.
In addition to analysing the initial shock, there is an increasing need to better understand the possible long-term consequences that the pandemic may have on gender equality in the labour market. The panellists discussed the following aspects among others:

• What are the likely long-term consequences of the global pandemic for gender equality and gender gaps in the labour market?
• To what extent can the COVID-19 crisis have transformative effects on work flexibility/remote work, attitudes on gender roles, and the division of paid and unpaid work?
• What kind of policies are needed to accelerate gender equality in the labour market during and beyond the pandemic? What kind of data and research are required to monitor and support progress?

The discussion also considered how implications of the pandemic may vary for different groups, incl. women with/without care responsibilities, single parents, or across sectors and jobs.
This Community of Fairness webinar brought together researchers and policymakers to share knowledge and foster an informed dialogue to inform policy. It follows from an earlier fairness webinar on gender inequalities in paid and domestic work during COVID times and beyond, organised in 2021.

Speakers:

• Prof. Paola Profeta, Bocconi University
• Prof. Almudena Sevilla, University College London
• Prof. Michèle Tertilt, University of Mannheim

More information on the Community of Practice on Fairness.