Head of UN Women tells the FT about the impact of coronavirus on women

Synopsis

The head of UN Women discusses the significant impact of the coronavirus pandemic on women, particularly in South Africa and other African nations. With 70 percent of health and social workers globally being women, they face heightened risks as they work on the front lines without adequate personal protective equipment (PPE). Many women are also caregivers at home, leading to extreme exhaustion. The socio-economic effects are severe, as women often work in unsecured jobs or the informal economy, making them vulnerable to poverty. The Secretary General emphasizes the need for social protection measures, advocating that cash transfers should be directed to women to ensure they maintain control over resources. This approach is crucial for their empowerment and financial stability during the crisis, especially in developing countries like South Africa, where women are disproportionately affected by the pandemic's economic fallout.