Changing Dynamics of Gender Inequality in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic in India

Abstract

With the second-largest nation in terms of population, India has been one of the most affected countries by the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the repercussions of the ongoing pandemic can be noticed in terms of the widened deeply embedded gender inequalities in India. The post-recovery period would be immensely complex. The fear that the world is witnessing is the amplification of the existing gender gap or inequality. The pandemic has once again proven that the ill effects have a differential impact on both the sexes. Hence, an attempt through this research has been made to understand the changing dynamics of gender inequality in India due to the impact of COVID-19. The main objective of the paper is to find out the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the socio-economic structures that enhance the existing gender inequality, and how far it has impacted the deeply embedded gender inequalities. In this regard, qualitative research methods with descriptive analysis have been used. The literature and narratives available related to various dimensions of gender inequality have been reviewed to understand the differential impacts of the pandemic on women. The need to have an engendering governance outlook has been highlighted. No public health approach should neglect the gendered impact of such a crisis. The research tries to sum up with proactive strategy recommendations that the state should embark upon both as long-term and short-term goals.

Keywords: COVID-19, Pandemic, Gender, Women, Governance, Equality