Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on various sectors, with the gender-based violence (GBV) sector experiencing unique challenges. The study, “There's no amount of tea in the world that is going to fix the patriarchy right now”: The gendered impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic for women in the gender-based violence sector, offers valuable insights into the gendered impacts of the pandemic. This blog aims to explore these insights and suggest ways practitioners can implement them to improve their skills and services.
Understanding the Gendered Impacts
The pandemic exacerbated existing gender inequalities, particularly in the GBV sector. Women faced increased caregiving responsibilities, job losses, and heightened risks of violence. The research highlights how these challenges were felt at the service, organizational, and structural levels, emphasizing the need for a gender-sensitive approach in addressing these issues.
Service Level Challenges
Women accessing GBV services during the pandemic faced significant hurdles. Isolation requirements and limited access to support services intensified the stress of parenting and coping with trauma. Practitioners can improve their skills by:
- Developing flexible service delivery models that accommodate the unique needs of mothers and children.
- Enhancing communication strategies to involve clients in decision-making processes and service adjustments.
Organizational Level Insights
The pandemic also altered the work dynamics for staff and leaders in the GBV sector. Increased emotional labor and caregiving responsibilities at home added to the stress. Practitioners can benefit from:
- Implementing comprehensive self-care and support plans that go beyond traditional approaches.
- Fostering a supportive work environment that acknowledges and addresses the gendered nature of caregiving and emotional labor.
Structural Level Considerations
The study underscores the need for systemic changes to address the gendered impacts of the pandemic. Practitioners can advocate for:
- Incorporating a feminist lens in pandemic recovery plans to address the disproportionate impacts on women.
- Challenging traditional gender norms and expectations in leadership roles.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by the GBV sector, further research is essential to explore the long-term impacts and develop effective strategies. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in ongoing research and collaboration with academic and community partners to enhance their understanding and response to these challenges.
Conclusion
The insights from this study highlight the critical need for gender-sensitive approaches in addressing the challenges faced by the GBV sector during the pandemic. By implementing these insights and engaging in further research, practitioners can enhance their skills and contribute to a more equitable and effective service delivery model.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: "There's no amount of tea in the world that is going to fix the patriarchy right now": The gendered impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic for women in the gender-based violence sector.
