The COVID-19 pandemic knows no borders, no gender, class, or race. Around the world, we have built systems and structures that privilege the few and disadvantage the many. When an unprecedented crisis such as COVID-19 pandemic hits, inequalities are exacerbated. This holds particularly true for gender equality which, despite encouraging steps forward, no country is on track to achieve by 2030. This not only fails politically marginalised groups, in particular women, girls, and gender-nonconforming people but also greatly hinders the international community’s commitment to foster peace and security. Amidst a concerning global rollback on the limited gains of gender equality, governments and foreign ministries must apply a feminist perspective to their COVID-19 response to prevent a set-back, safeguard existing progress and advance more quickly towards their goals.
See also: Executive Summary