With International Women's Day approaching, Pauline joined with her colleagues Heather Wheeler, Sarah Dines, and Amanda Solloway to discuss the impact of coronavirus on women in Derbyshire. They talked with Claire Twells and Katie Lavis of Derby's Finest, a group dedicated to supporting women in business across Derbyshire and celebrating their impact.
Certain aspects of the coronavirus pandemic and the Government's response have disproportionately affected women. Women were more likely than men to have lost their jobs or been required to reduce their working hours. Mothers were more likely than fathers to have taken on additional housework and childcare occasioned by the closure of schools. Daughters were more likely than sons to have acted as an unpaid carer for an elderly or vulnerable relative. The tensions of financial uncertainty and often cramped living spaces have caused a surge in domestic violence and 'honour'-based abuse, of which women are more often the victims.
Women's experiences should inform the UK's strategy to recover from the pandemic, and I shall use my voice in Parliament to ensure that their needs are considered as we emerge from lockdown.
