Gender perspective in COVID-19. SESPAS Report 2022

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Gender Studies
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic response has been criticized for a persistent gender-blind approach.
• Limited availability of sex-disaggregated data hampers understanding of gender-specific impacts.
• Existing gender inequalities are exacerbated by the pandemic, intersecting with other social determinants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the failure in developing a gender-transformative response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To emphasize the need for integrating sex and gender dimensions into research and policy.
• To advocate for an intersectional feminist approach in global health.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and evidence on gender dimensions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Analysis of challenges in collecting and reporting sex-disaggregated data.
• Examination of initiatives like the SAGER guidelines for improving gender reporting.

Main Results:

• Significant lack of gender-transformative strategies in pandemic response globally.
• Difficulty in accessing comprehensive sex-disaggregated data across most countries.
• Observed differences in symptom prevalence and potential gender bias in healthcare management.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic response underscores the urgent need to address gender inequality in global health.
• National Gender Equality Institutions play a vital role in ensuring gender considerations in government responses.
• Adopting an intersectional feminist approach is essential for a just and equitable global health future.