Gender-responsive Social Safety Nets during Covid-19 Pandemic

Violet Nekesa Simiyu
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa
nekesaviolet2013@gmail.com

Abstract: Throughout the life cycle, people have specific gender needs which require consideration during times of crisis. Such gendered needs exist regardless of whether people are affected directly or indirectly by Social distancing and isolation caused by COVID 19 pandemic. Reproductive-age girls and women are more likely to live in deprived households than men and boys do. Women are often overrepresented in informal-sector occupations which are especially vulnerable in times of economic instability and are often poorly protected by social security systems. Social distancing and isolation policies have repercussions not just about the economy but also about the distribution and strength of unpaid medical jobs which is usually undertaken by women and girls. COVID-19 continues to have a strong impact on women already confronted with food safety challenges before the pandemic. Globally, women are poorer than men and have a less stable place in the labor market. As the governments struggle to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, social safety nets initiatives have been implemented to cushion the vulnerable person including women and girls. The economic assistance being offered has not put gender aspect into account. Considering that the COVID-19 crisis affects men and women in various ways, gender must be taken into account in the steps to address it. This paper seeks to examine the impacts of a lack of gender-responsive social safety nets during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommendation for decisive implementation of gender-responsive social safety nets were made.