A gender analysis of 477 government socio-economic policy responses adopted in 18 countries and territories in Europe and Central Asia over the first year of COVID-19, reveals that only 7 per cent specifically reference women and can be classified as gender-sensitive. This calls for governments to prioritize gender-responsive policy responses in the context of COVID-19 and emergencies. Measures recorded were in relation to social protection, labour market, and economic, fiscal and business stimulus.

This policy brief highlights the need for publicly provided social care services for children, the sick, the elderly and persons with disabilities to reduce the burden of unpaid care work on women and advance women’s economic empowerment. It details the substantial advantages and returns countries stand to gain in the short and long run from such investments.