By Kieran Walsh
The data is abundantly clear on one point: the COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionately negative impact on women. Because more women work in the tourism, retail, and informal sectors, which have been hardest hit by the pandemic, their livelihoods have been upended. Understanding the extent of this impact is the first step in reversing course. Yet the pandemic has also exposed and exacerbated data gaps that undermine our ability to act intentionally and craft effective policy responses.
Data production efforts have been seriously disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting everything from data collection to subsequent data management, analysis, and communication. Layered onto these challenges is a host of existing data gaps, particularly around health, education, and economic opportunity. Without addressing these data gaps and collection obstacles, we cannot fully understand or address the gendered impacts of the pandemic.
The collection and use of timely, reliable sex-disaggregated data is not only critical to recognizing and addressing gender inequalities, it is essential to global economic recovery. By choosing now to commit to increased data collection and use, we will build a foundation better prepared for future shocks. Everyone—from senior managers in national statistical systems and survey managers to funders, multilateral agencies, and research partners—has a role to play.For more read
