*Originally recorded March 5, 2021*
Co-hosted by Inspiring Women Among Us (IWAU) and UNBC Research Week for International Women's Day

Alice Murage
Research Fellow, Gender and COVID-19 Project
Simon Fraser University

Abstract: As has been evident during past global pandemics, the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on individuals and communities are not homogenous. Research particularly shows that women are disproportionately affected- economically, socially, and emotionally. Gender segregated data, and research on how women are differential impacted, has never been more important. For policy to proactively address such impacts, gendered vulnerabilities need to be understood. While there has been some extent of gender-segregated data collection, focus has largely been on the male-female nexus, excluding the experiences of transgender and non-binary people from the COVID-19 narrative, and lacking application of a intersectional analysis. Adopting an intersectional lens is essential not only in data collection but also in data analysis and reporting. Research conducted in Canada, through the multi-country Gender and COVID-19 Project, point to disproportionate impact on frontline workers and single mothers. Other demographics that are also significantly impacted are women in precarious living condition, newcomers, those without status, transgender people, and female inmates. While the different levels of governments and non-profit organizations have been quick to respond to evolving needs, there are many who fall through the cracks. As we continue to learn about the impact of COVID-19 and the various policy and program responses, the Project hopes to contribute towards the discourse around gender-responsive pandemic or emergency preparedness plans and sustainable policy changes addressing gendered and intersectional vulnerabilities.