Gender norms and the coronavirus - graphics

This page will be updated to include graphics by ALIGN and partners relating to the coronavirus and gender/social norms. Please comment in the box at the bottom of the page if you would like to share your graphic.

Gender-based violence

Gender norms underpin gender-based violence. The rising pandemic of gender-based violence alongside COVID highlights the need for continued and upscaled work to change these norms. Norms also influence what is prioritised in emergency response. The gender-based violence pandemic highlights the importance of designating support services such as shelters and helplines as emergency services that can be accessed during lockdowns. Read more about gender norms and violence against women.

Advocacy

Women are likely to be hardest hit by a virus-driven recession with front-line workers putting their lives on the line,  their roles are heavily gendered and they are also among the lowest paid workers of all. The care economy, dominated by women, will also come under increased strain.

We know from experience that women’s voices are often excluded in a crisis, robbing us of vital insights into effective responses. We know that women step up to the plate when needed, but once a crisis is over, their contribution is often overlooked, their voices are silenced and there is a tendency to sink back into the old order – or worse.  

We must understand the gendered impacts of the threat, and embed gender concerns into every aspect of the response.