Economic inequalities must be addressed, which implies implementing policies that promote gender equality in employment, reducing the wage gap and promoting inclusive financial services for women. Promoting gender equality and women's empowerment is the key path to sustainable development.
The COVID-19 pandemic has not only exacerbated existing economic gaps in the world, but has also highlighted the gender inequalities that persist in society. As the virus spread around the world, the economic repercussions were felt disproportionately by men and women, deepening the gender gap in terms of employment, income and access to economic resources.
One of the most obvious impacts of the pandemic has been the massive loss of jobs, especially in sectors such as hospitality, tourism and retail, where women represent a significant proportion of the workforce. Many women were forced to leave their jobs to care for their families due to the closure of schools and day care centers, resulting in a sharp drop in family income. According to data from the International Labor Organization (ILO), the global labor participation rate for women is estimated to decline by 5% in 2020, compared to a decline of 3.9% for men.
To address the economic gender inequalities exacerbated by the pandemic, urgent action is needed on a global scale. It is imperative to implement policies that promote gender equity in the workplace, eradicate the wage gap and promote inclusive financial services for women. It is also crucial to invest in social infrastructure such as childcare centers and daycare centers to facilitate women's full participation in the labor force.
In this context, the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) emerges as an intergovernmental body of the United Nations dedicated exclusively to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment. Annually, CSW organizes events at the global level that provide a platform for the exchange of ideas, the review of policies and the formulation of recommendations to address the challenges faced by women in all parts of the world.
In this 68th period of the CSW, it will examine the priority theme "Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective". Economic inequality has increased fragility and uncertainty in countries, which has led to civil unrest, distrust and political upheaval, so it is urgent to review projects and initiatives in each of the organizations led by women, and thus open the perspective to solutions in each region.
In the same way, other factors that have opened the gender inequality gap have been the effects of climate change, which has caused women and girls to be forced to move or migrate within and outside their countries of origin. It is estimated that they represent half of the internally displaced or stateless people in the world.
In addition, the combined effects of the coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19), geopolitical tensions and war, unsustainable levels of sovereign debt and the cost-of-living crisis have plunged people into poverty. At the same time, accelerating and intensifying climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation are exacerbating poverty and inequality. It is therefore urgent that women's institutions, organizations and collectives around the world come together to share immediate solutions to the global crisis.
We invite you to join the sessions that CSW is broadcasting in person and globally during these weeks, we want to be part of the change and for that we must take concrete actions that allow us to improve and ensure a dignified and healthy life for our girls and boys around the world.
By Zoe Network
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