The COVID-19 pandemic and resultant social lockdowns are likely creating some disproportionate burdens for women and girls. Women make up almost 70% of the health care workforce, largely on the frontlines of care, exposing them to a greater risk of infection. At the same time, their access to reproductive and maternal health care has been severely hampered. They are facing increased domestic care burdens in the wake of children being forced from schools and families present for more meals. Already contending with lower-paid jobs and lesser job opportunities, they now face even greater financial insecurity. And cross-nationally, there is an indication of escalating domestic violence against women and girls, as they are forced to remain at home at a time of increased household financial stress and social isolation.

Now is the time for the building of data to drive a more evidence-focused and targeted approach to prevention and care, and to that end, there are key areas of measurement that are needed. We have hand-selected, adapted, and developed evidence-based measures for surveys on COVID-19 and Gender. We have measures on a number of topics. In addition, we also offer guidance on Protocol Recommendations for Conducting Phone-Based Surveys.

You can access the website here: EMERGE (2020) Gender, Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic.