Gender and Covid-19 in Ireland

Abstract

This paper outlines data on a number of gender impacts of Covid-19 in Ireland in 2020. It describes the outcomes from the pandemic for women and men in the areas of employment, domestic work and childcare, finance and state income supports, well-being, health and decision-making. It also outlines ways in which some groups experience overlapping negative impacts. Women and men of all ages and groups have been impacted by the changes wrought by Covid-19 in Ireland. However, there are a number of gender differences. Overall, men have been more affected by employment loss due to lockdowns, while women are more affected by the need to provide extra care in the home due to the closure of childcare facilities, schools, and services for vulnerable children and adults. Women have also experienced a greater decline in well-being since the beginning of the pandemic. Women are more likely to contract Covid-19, which can be related to the higher proportion of women in employment which involves close contact with others.