COVID-19: How the pandemic has widened the gender gap in Africa

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the gender gap in Africa, particularly impacting women's employment, gender-based violence, and unpaid care work. A recent report by the United Nations Women highlighted the challenges faced by women in East and South Africa during the pandemic. The economic fallout of COVID-19 has disproportionately affected women, with more women losing their jobs in the informal sector compared to men in the formal sector. Isabella Stmitz from the United Nations Women discussed the report with Ridaima Shuklas on CNBC Africa, shedding light on the widening gender disparities in the region. The key theme that emerged from the interview was the need for gender-sensitive policies to address the impact of the pandemic on women's empowerment and gender equality. Three key points were highlighted in the discussion: the disproportionate impact on women's employment, the surge in gender-based violence, and the burden of unpaid care work on women. Stmitz emphasized the importance of including women in leadership roles in developing COVID-19 recovery policies to ensure gender responsiveness. The interview touched on various aspects of the gender gap, shedding light on the challenges faced by women in Africa during the pandemic.