According to the Social Innovation Organization report, women’s economic prospects have suffered a major impediment due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The document is based on the testimony of members of a project supported by the Mná na hÉireann (Irish Women) Fund of Rethink Ireland, which stated that the pandemic had a significant impact on women’s work income and family responsibilities.
The Women said that increased care tasks due to pandemic restrictions limit their personal and professional development. With childcare provision hindered during lockdowns, women defined the challenge of continuing their education while caring for their families.
The report cited several mothers who wanted to return to work only, but the pandemic derailed their plans. A single mother and student said it was “impossible” to find a job last year because childcare needs could not be met during the pandemic.
Created by Rethink Ireland, the 'Mná na hÉireann fund' supports six charities and social enterprises geared towards enhancing women’s economic mobility in partnership with Bank of America and the Department of Rural and Community Development via the Dormant Accounts Fund.
The report stated that many employment programmes were established for a diverse job landscape when hospitality and retail were resilient sectors.
