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Gendered Impacts of COVID-19

The Gendered Impacts of COVID-19 collection brings a gender lens to discussions around the COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery. Drawing upon the expertise and research from four centres across Monash University, this collection provides gender-sensitive analysis on peace and security, humanitarian settings and women’s rights, gender-based violence, the economy, caring and social reproduction responsibilities, and health and well-being.

While the restrictions of COVID-19 are exacerbating issues of gendered violence and gender equality, we see an opportunity to create change for the better. Increased funding for domestic violence response, the ability to quickly adapt and innovate service provision, and the sustained media coverage and awareness of this violence in Australia during the COVID-19 are indicators of recognition of the scale of the problem and the potential to eliminate or at least significantly reduce violence against women... Now, more than ever, research is needed to support women and children experiencing violence, and the practitioners working to support them and secure their safety.

The 'Shadow Pandemic' of COVID-19: Editorial by Jacqui True and Kate Fitz-Gibbon

About the Centres

Monash Gender, Peace and Security Centre is a research centre focused on issues of gender, peace and security. Our vision is to build globally-recognised, gender-inclusive research evidence to deliver peace and security globally. We seek to use our research to inform scholarly debate, policy development and implementation, and public understanding about the gendered nature of insecurity and the search for peace.

Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre addresses the prevention of family violence. The Centre provides a platform for bringing together Monash researchers with international experts to collaborate with partners in government, social services, legal services, health and policing to contribute to solving one of the most challenging problems we face.

The Centre for Global and Women’s Health is a multi-disciplinary group with expertise in biostatistics, epidemiology, health promotion, medicine, nursing, and psychology. Through our Global Health research, we seek to promote health for all and to reduce health inequalities. In our Women’s Health research, we aim to understand the effects of gender on health and to reduce the health inequalities experienced by women and girls.

The XYX Lab is a team of experienced design researchers exploring gender-sensitive design practices and theory. Our work operates at the intersection of gender, identity, urban space and advocacy. Through our research, we bring together planners, policymakers, local government and stakeholders to make tangible the experiences of underrepresented communities in urban space and planning.

Meeting the needs of women requires gender representation in policy making

Professor Jacqui True

Director, Monash Gender, Peace and Security Centre

To successfully respond to, and meet the needs of, women during the COVID-19 pandemic, and beyond, those with lived experience - women- must be included in policy planning and decision making.

What is a key policy challenge facing governments in relation to the gendered effects of this crisis?

Gender disparity in governments and in teams responsible for guiding responses to the COVID-19 pandemic means discussions about COVID-19 emergency laws, task force commitments and financial relief packages are likely to be male-dominated. Decisions made, therefore, often do not reflect the experience of those most vulnerable to the broader effects of the pandemic.

Are there currently any policies in place that respond to this challenge? If so, have they had any positive impact? If not, why do you believe that is?

The Gender Equality Act 2020, enacted by the Victorian Government in February 2020, is an example of legislation that proactively addresses gender disparity within the public service.

If a government decision maker (e.g. a Cabinet Minister) asked you for advice on how to better address your described challenge what would you say? Why?

Gender parity in governments and the public service sector is central to the successful implementation of equitable responses both during, and beyond, the COVID-19 pandemic. This has been demonstrated by the particularly effective decisions made around COVID-19 responses in countries where political culture and institutions were already structured to include and represent women. Inclusive government is more than meeting number requirements, it is about rethinking current political cultures and institutions, and establishing political systems that allow for women to be accepted into positions of power. Male political leaders are responsible, too, for promoting, and enabling systems of governance that effectively consider diverse perspectives and needs.

Additional Resources

True, Jacqui and Sara E. Davies. "The Importance of Gender Inclusion in COVID-19 Responses." World Politics Review, June 5, 2020. https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/articles/28815/the-importance-of-gender-inclusion-in-covid-19-responses

True, Jacqui. "Women’s leadership could enhance global recovery from COVID-19." Prio Blogs, April 23, 2020. https://blogs.prio.org/2020/04/womens-leadership-could-enhance-global-recovery-from-covid-19

Davies, Sara. E., Sophie Harman, Jacqui True and ClaireWenham. "Why gender matters in the impact and recovery from COVID-19." The Lowy Institute, March 20, 2020. https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/why-gender-matters-impact-and-recovery-covid-19

Assistance must be in place for practitioners supporting vulnerable women

Associate Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon

Director, Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre

In order to avoid mass burn out, targeted policies that support the mental health of frontline workers responding to the 'Shadow Pandemic' should be implemented.

What is a key policy challenge facing governments in relation to the gendered effects of this crisis?

Frontline workers are responding to increased rates of domestic violence and violence against women and children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The increased workload, and the complexities associated with providing support to victim-survivors remotely is putting further strain on a system already stretched thin.

Are there currently any policies in place that respond to this challenge? If so, have they had any positive impact? If not, why do you believe that is?

In August, the Victorian Government announced a $59.4 million package to meet increased mental health demands. This packaged includes training, support and resources to be offered to frontline mental health workers. This model should be extended to provide necessary supports to the practitioners on the frontline of the domestic violence crisis.

If a government decision maker (e.g. a Cabinet Minister) asked you for advice on how to better address your described challenge what would you say? Why?

With the spotlight on the ‘shadow pandemic’ of domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is timely to discuss practitioner support. As more women and children face increasingly volatile situations, we must ensure adequate supports are in place for those providing aid and assistance. Recent surveys indicate that the transition to remote working, increasingly overwhelming workloads and the blurring of boundaries between the home and the workplace, are negatively impacting upon practitioner mental health. Further funding is needed to provide these frontline workers with the support they need.

Additional Resources

Fitz-Gibbon, Kate, Jessica Burley and Silke Meyer. " How do we keep family violence perpetrators ‘in view’ during the COVID-19 lockdown?" The Conversation, April 28, 2020. https://theconversation.com/how-do-we-keep-family-violence-perpetrators-in-view-during-the-covid-19-lockdown-135942

Pfitzner, Naomi, Jacqui True, Kate Fitz-Gibbon and Silke Meyer. “'We are in a bubble that is set to burst'. Why urgent support must be given to domestic violence workers." The Conversation, July 1, 2020. https://theconversation.com/we-are-in-a-bubble-that-is-set-to-burst-why-urgent-support-must-be-given-to-domestic-violence-workers-141600

Mlambo-Ngcuka, Phumzile. "Violence against women and girls: the shadow pandemic." UN Women, April 6, 2020. https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/4/statement-ed-phumzile-violence-against-women-during-pandemic

Targeted mental health policies would best assist the most vulnerable groups

Professor Jane Fisher

Director, Global and Women’s Health

Although broad strategies are important to addressing national mental health during COVID-19, governments should also be prepared to implement specific strategies to successfully assist those hardest hit by the pandemic.

What is a key policy challenge facing governments in relation to the gendered effects of this crisis?

Research conducted by the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine shows that restrictions imposed to limit the spread of COVID-19 significantly increased symptoms of anxiety and depression during the first lockdown period in Australia. Most affected are those who lost jobs due to COVID-19, those in lower socio-economic areas and those who acted as carer to dependent family members. Younger people, members of marginalised groups and women are among those most vulnerable to the socio-economic effects of COVID-19, and, therefore, to heightened anxiety and depression during the pandemic.

Are there currently any policies in place that respond to this challenge? If so, have they had any positive impact? If not, why do you believe that is?

The National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan, put in place by the National Cabinet in May 2020, and the additional $48.1M investment by the Australian Government, acknowledges the importance of Australians’ mental health during the pandemic.

If a government decision maker (e.g. a Cabinet Minister) asked you for advice on how to better address your described challenge what would you say? Why?

Governments must acknowledge the pressure that restrictions relating to COVID-19 is having on national mental health. A broad public mental health approach, with inclusive strategies for whole-population wellbeing, is essential for the nation’s recovery post-COVID-19. Governments must also put in place specific strategies targeting those most vulnerable, and addressing their specific needs. These strategies should be evidence-based, targeted approaches that effectively support those groups worst hit, such as women acting as carers.

Additional Resources

Fisher, Jane and Maggie Kirkman. “Mental health and the coronavirus: How COVID-19 is affecting us.” Lens, July 27, 2020. https://lens.monash.edu/@medicine-health/2020/07/27/1380915/mental-health-and-the-coronavirus-how-covid-19-is-affecting-us

Fisher, Jane and Maggie Kirkman. “Coronavirus: Recognising disenfranchised grief amid COVID-19.” Lens, March 26, 2020. https://lens.monash.edu/@medicine-health/2020/03/26/1379888/coronavirus-recognising-disenfranchised-grief-and-covid-19

Fisher, Jane. “How are you? Living with COVID-19 restrictions in Australia.” Lens, April 8, 2020. https://lens.monash.edu/@medicine-health/2020/04/08/1380027/how-are-you-living-with-covid-19-restrictions-in-australia

A gender-lens must be applied to policy concerning women's safety

Associate Professor Nicole Kalms
Director, XYX Lab

Experts must engage with a process of co-design, working alongside those with lived experience, to successfully make public spaces safer for women, girls & gender diverse people during, and beyond COVID-19.

What is a key policy challenge facing governments in relation to the gendered effects of this crisis?

Lockdown measures and the restrictions put in place to limit the spread of COVID-19 have seen less traffic on the roads, and more pedestrians and cyclists utilising local public spaces. As lockdown measures continue in Victoria, now is the time to begin collecting data on whether such changes have altered women’s perceptions of safety in public spaces.

Are there currently any policies in place that respond to this challenge? If so, have they had any positive impact? If not, why do you believe that is?

Passed in Victoria in February 2020, the Gender Equality Act 2020 means an understanding of how gender affects needs and experiences is now central to urban politics, policies and design. Local councils also have their own Gender Equity Strategies that – if well implemented – can assist with the challenges faced by marginalised groups.

If a government decision maker (e.g. a Cabinet Minister) asked you for advice on how to better address your described challenge what would you say? Why?

The application of a gender-lens in policy and the inclusion of women experts and women with lived experiences in all decision-making processes allows society to push back against recurring gender stereotypes, familiar but failed solutions, and oppressive civic systems. By inviting experts to work alongside women, girls and gender diverse people – and by including a gender-sensitive lens – a collective (re)imagining of cities – one that is more inclusive and supportive of women and their contributions can emerge.

Additional Resources

Kalms, Nicole, Georgia May Johnson and Gill Matthewson. “What does the ‘new normal’ look like for women’s safety in cities?” The Conversation, July 16, 2020. https://theconversation.com/what-does-the-new-normal-look-like-for-womens-safety-in-cities-140169

Kalms, Nicole. “To design safer parks for women, city planners must listen to their stories.” The Conversation, June 18, 2018. https://theconversation.com/to-design-safer-parks-for-women-city-planners-must-listen-to-their-stories-98317

Matthewson, Gill and Nicole Kalms. “ The Essential Gendered Lens – Changing gender structure post pandemic”, The Site Magazine, n.d. https://www.thesitemagazine.com/xyx-lab

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NEW PUBLICATION

Mapping the Impact of COVID-19 in the Indo-Pacific Region II: Women, peace and security practitioner views

Monash Gender, Peace and Security Centre

Advancing staff equity in STEMM in the face of COVID-19

Literature and data are emerging worldwide on the risks and impact of COVID-19 on equity outcomes for groups that are underrepresented in the workplace. Monash University's Athena SWAN Committee have developed a position paper identifying a set of guiding principles and actions that will help to ensure workplaces do not lose the recent gains made in employment of women and other underrepresented groups.

The Committee will continue monitoring the gendered impact on STEMM staff through a range of metrics including a longitudinal survey. The Athena SWAN Committee is a diverse group of individuals representing all levels of the academic community. Although their focus is primarily on the advancement of gender equity in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) fields, most opportunities and risks outlined in this paper are applicable across all disciplines.

Read the position paper here.
Find out more about Athena SWAN at Monash here.
Enquiries: j.carroll@monash.edu | lucie.joschko@monash.edu