Disproportionate effect of COVID-19 on women

Similar to past pandemics, the effect of COVID-19 too is not gender-neutral. The disproportionate physiological and psychological impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on females have affected their personal and professional spheres. This chapter calls attention to the physical and mental health risks that women faced and the consequences that they suffered. The global economic downturn caused by COVID-19 — a “Shecession” — led to inordinate job losses for females. The rationale behind this has been explained in terms of “care economy” and “motherhood penalty.” We perceive that among the long-standing gender inequities, it is important to have an encouraging outlook and thus put forward positive impacts of this pandemic on women at micro and macro levels. Finally, the chapter discusses policy implications to better handle future pandemics, along with research opportunities therein.