Five Actions for Gender Equality in the COVID-19 Response

The outbreak and spread of COVID-19 will have gendered impacts, and it is therefore important to ensure gender equality in humanitarian responses to the disease. For example, evidence shows that the home often is the most dangerous place for women and children, who due to social distancing measures can become vulnerable to domestic violence. The closure of schools can also exacerbate the burden of unpaid care work on women and girls, who absorb the additional work of caring for children. 

This document provides five core actions that can ensure that gender equality is at the heart of the COVID-19 frontline service delivery, system strengthening support, and advocacy and communications.