This Month in Gender Equity: April 2020
It may be helpful to preface this week’s blog by saying that we recognize the value of very strict parameters around media consumption, particularly when most media these days is heavy. COVID-19 continues to dominate headlines and consume our days and our energies and while the consequences of the virus are devastating everywhere, they will be disastrous for women. There’s no getting around that. We so appreciate the readers here. But if this isn’t the best thing for your mind and heart right now, we appreciate that too. Be well. We’ll be here next week.
The Coronavirus is a Disaster for Feminism
Fair warning: this is a hard read. The bottom line is that pandemics results in exponentially more care responsibilities and greater burdens on those in care professions. In many cases, the individuals who do the caring—at home or professionally—are women. Additionally, even partnered women and those with children (typically those in heterosexual partnerships) are likely to take on an unequal proportion of care responsibilities, which will include not just child or elder care, but schooling, and possibly nursing sick loved ones at home. Domestic violence rates are likely to rise, and the victims of domestic violence are overwhelmingly women. There will be medical, economic, legal, and professional ramifications for everyone when the coronavirus crisis has passed, but it will be borne out in women’s roles and bodies for long after that.
Dr. Amy Acton demonstrates the power of feminine strength
My (Lauren) former home state of Ohio has been well ahead of the COVID curve for about six weeks. Governor Mike DeWine appointed Director of Health Dr. Amy Acton in February 2019. Neither of them were likely to predict the scope of the crisis through which they’d have to lead Ohioans. Nevertheless, Dr. Acton’s briefings have resulted in a tagline (“Not all heroes wear capes”), a line of t-shirts, a series of viral videos, and a sincere appreciation of her unique—and uniquely feminine—leadership style. The Dispatch’s opinion writer summarizes Dr. Acton’s approach thus: “She addresses Ohioans from her medical, epidemiological education, experience and research, including seven years as assistant professor of the OSU College of Public Health. Yet, Acton doesn’t come off as cold or talk down to her audience….She hasn’t forfeited her heart or swallowed her humanity or femininity in order to share the stage with men.” In the midst of a crisis that will inevitably have disproportionately adverse consequences for women, it is refreshing to see Dr. Acton’s example and expertise as she works to inform and protect.
Women and the Hidden Burden of Coronavirus
“Experts say women are still “invisible” when it comes to global health.” What a grim start to this article. Like we said, this may be a time for a break from the headlines and social media posts. But if you are still with us, this article is an important read. It breaks down the spheres in which the coronavirus outbreak is negatively impacting women, from increased levels of domestic violence, to increased stress around child care, home schooling, and working from home, to the fact that a majority of workers in healthcare are women. Though the health implications of this outbreak are profound, the social implications are equally severe and will likely be as long lasting. And yet just 10% of the members of the Coronavirus Task Force are women. Women will bear the brunt of this outbreak and their voices should be represented in the task force, the WHO, and other decision making bodies across the globe.
-Amy and Lauren