Women, migrants are hardest hit by COVID-19: IFRC report
(VOVWORLD) - Women and people on the move have been disproportionately affected by the devastating socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study published Monday by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
 Migrants in Narewka, near Poland-Belarus border. (Photo: AFP/VNA) |
The pandemic has caused increased unemployment and poverty, increased food insecurity, a greater vulnerability to violence, and reduced education opportunities for children. It has also exacerbated mental health issues, according to the study.
Women have seen a larger impact on their income, are at greater risk of getting COVID-19 because of their care-giving role, are more exposed to sexual and gender-based violence, and suffer mental health effects to a greater degree than men. Migrants have been more likely to lose their job or have their hours cut during the pandemic, and have been frequently excluded from formal protections and safeguards.