SANEM-BMP policy brief on assessing the impact of COVID-19 on women in Bangladesh
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted women and girls in Bangladesh, causing disproportionate health, social, and economic dangers. The UN Secretary-General warns that progress made towards gender equality may be undone, as women already faced profound disparities in gender before the pandemic. This qualitative study examines the impact of the pandemic on women in Bangladesh and their coping mechanisms, including child marriage, violence against women, employment, education, and health. The findings suggest that financial support for postsecondary education, acknowledging women’s contributions, proper implementation of law, digitalization of documents, changing parents’ mentality, and promoting gender budgeting are necessary to protect women’s rights and promote empowerment. Immediate action is required to lessen the adverse impacts of COVID-19 on women’s employment, income, and safety.
