Host: Racha Ammati
Panelists: Kiya Gezahegne, Abiyot Negera
11 February 2021
Background
The first five webinars of Includovate’s “Thought Series” have looked at different aspects of social inclusion. This sixth and last episode focused on a much more specific issue, which is the status of inclusion as it relates to gender equality and international development post-COVID-19. The webinar was hosted by Racha Ammati, who is an International Gender Equality Consultant and Senior Researcher on Gender Studies at Includovate.
Racha opened proceedings with a brief explanation of how the pandemic has differently affected women and vulnerable groups. She gave an outline of gendered factors at work during the pandemic, using statistics taken from UN Women to highlight specific issues such as the increase in domestic violence, the status of healthcare workers, and the economic shocks experienced by those in informal employment. After that, she also gave specific numbers on conflicting regions gave a detailed gender data on women participation as a mediator in a conflict situation, migrant workers, school attendance, and child marriage. After touching on the topic of women’s health, Racha then revealed that 40% of the world’s population do not have handwashing facilities, highlighting why it is so important for marginalised voices be included and heard. Racha later came back to mention the importance of data, in particular identifying gaps between developing and advanced countries, the dangers of “blank spots” in data, and establishing an accurate picture of the outbreak and its effects as three key areas.
Next to the stage was Kiya Gezahegne, who is a Principal Researcher on Gender at Incudovate. Kiya gave a presentation on gender-based violence (GBV), highlighting the increase in prevalence of GBV and with specific statistical examples from different countries, including developed ones such as but not limited to Australia, the United Kingdom, and France. Kiya referenced the phrase used by Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcukei, the Executive Director of UN Women’s, of a “shadow pandemic” to describe the increase in violence against women. Kiya then focused on Ethiopia as a case example, pointing out that there are no accurate figures on GBV in the country, with data depending on anecdotal information and evidence. After that she questioned whether the prevalence of GBV has increased or not as there is no systematic recording of reported cases. Often, the statistical figures reported by the media are derived from data obtained from the cities. Then she explained the underreporting and misinformation on the reporting system, and the politicisation of GBV. Then she drew attention to the need for an integrated and intersectional approach, which is currently lacking. Lastly, she showed and explained a basic framework for linking COVID-19 and GBV. This can be summarised as, first, economic insecurity and other vulnerabilities; second, home-bound violence and women’s inability to escape; third, as the state of emergency and invisibility; and, fourth, as unavailability of services.
The next panelist was Abiyot Negera, who is a Senior Researcher at Includovate. Abiyot’s presentation was on COVID-19 and women economic empowerment. Abiyot started off with a brief look at the global economic effects of COVID-19, before focusing on the economic impacts on Ethiopia. He then showed the economic impacts on women, revealing that there have been differential effects on women due to factors such as informal sector employment and the gender digital gap. Abiyot also highlighted that there are intersecting forms of marginalisation, using examples of those living with disabilities, refugees, and minorities. He also explained that Ethiopia is an example of the gender imbalance because female-headed households have been affected more and job losses for women are more than 2 percentage points higher than men. He ended his presentation by explaining how women’s economic empowerment efforts have suffered, with the pandemic’s impact having “rolled back” some of what had already been achieved.
The webinar came to an end with a question and answer session in which panelists found a chance to share more of their knowledge and experience.
This webinar was valuable in bringing attention to the impact of the pandemic on gender equality. Thank you (in no particular order) Liya, Eunice, Rebecca, Kanika, Deniz, Yeabtsega for organising the session in all!
About Us
Includovate is a feminist research incubator that “walks the talk”. Includovate is an Australian social enterprise consisting of a consulting firm and research incubator that designs solutions for gender equality and social inclusion. Its mission is to incubate transformative and inclusive solutions for measuring, studying, and changing discriminatory norms that lead to poverty, inequality, and injustice. To know more about us at Includovate, follow our social media: @includovate, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram.