Statistics to Relate COVID to Your ERA Advocacy Work

During this unprecedented time, when COVID-19 has threatened our health, safety, and livelihoods, we are reminded of the disproportionate and unique impact this virus has on women.  In the long term, when COVID-19 has been contained, we hope our Federal Government passes the Equal Rights Amendment so that in future pandemics, Women do not bear the brunt of the effects.

Jobs and the Workforce

There are massive layoffs happening for low-wage workers. Here are some statistics from the National Women’s Law Center about the impact this has on women:

• Women make up nearly six in ten (58 percent) workers in low-wage jobs that typically pay less than $11 per hour. Women are even more overrepresented in the lowest-wage jobs: close to seven in ten (69 percent) of those holding jobs that typically pay less than $10 per hour are women. And a disproportionate number of women in low-wage jobs are women of color.
• In 2016, women made up nearly two-thirds of the nearly 24 million workers in low-wage jobs (defined as jobs that typically pay $11.50 per hour or less), though they make up slightly less than half (47 percent) of the workforce as a whole
• The occupations of personal care aides, food preparation and serving workers (including fast food workers), registered nurses, and home health aides are all women dominated workforces (at least 60%) and these workforces are being especially taxed right now. Specifically, Women 75% of hospital workers, 88% of psychiatric, nursing and home health aids, 66% of cashiers and retail sales people in grocery stores, and 63% of fast food and counter workers. Not only are these low paying, but jobs in the food service and home care industries are particularly likely to lack employer or union-based health insurance; less than half of women working as personal care aides (41 percent) or combined food preparation and serving workers (49 percent), and just 56 percent of women who are home health aides, have health care coverage through their employer or a union.

Equal Pay

A report on the gender wage gap by occupation in 2018 from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research found that the pay gap between women and men in nearly every occupation, no matter the gender make-up of said occupation.

Childcare

Women make up a majority of the childcare workforce; those who are not relatives and operate outside of family units will now lose their income (an issue we understand is affecting multiple industries). In addition, as these businesses and schools close, the histories of previous pandemics show us that these responsibilities of childcare fall on women and girls.

Violence Against Women

During times of crisis, violence against women escalates and many women may now be quarantined home with abusers. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline via text or call at 1-800-799-7233. In addition, we urge the Senate to reauthorize the Violence against Women Act.

Local Resources

Many people are struggling because of COVID-19. Leagues are encouraged to provide links to local resources that people can take utilize to relieve hardships. Here is an example of a local resource from Autstin, TX.