MP Collins and MLA Dean host a virtual event on the gendered impacts of COVID-19

Service providers and elected officials discuss the needs of women and supports available during COVID-19 

VICTORIA – Today Member of Parliament Laurel Collins and Provincial Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity Mitzi Dean are hosting a Virtual Roundtable discussion on the gendered impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. They will be joined by Executive Directors of Women in Need, the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre, the Victoria Women’s Transition House, Bridges for Women and the Cridge Centre for the Family Transition House.

The pandemic has had significant impacts on women regarding their physical safety, financial security, and ability to access services. Social isolation has increased the risk and prevalence of gender-based violence, and economic insecurity can make it more difficult to leave violence in the home.

There has been an increased need for childcare at home, support for elderly family members and emotional care work, and many face barriers to accessing support services while juggling the burden of the additional responsibilities that often fall to women.

Long-term economic consequences of the pandemic will also disproportionately impact women given that they are more likely to have lower wages, part-time jobs, and precarious employment

“We know women have been disproportionately impacted by the effects of this global pandemic,” said Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity Mitzi Dean, “I’ve worked supporting people who have faced violence for most of my career and I know first-hand that it’s essential for people in crisis to have immediate access to services.”

According to MP Collins, “We need to take a gendered approach to recovery, it’s encouraging to see the concrete steps the provincial government has taken to support women who’ve been made more vulnerable during this pandemic.”

MP Collins added, “COVID-19 has shown us just how precarious but also how vital this sector is. We can’t go back to how it used to be, with years of chronic federal underfunding of the organizations that do this critical work. I’m grateful for the ongoing work of the organizations in our community who support the women who need it.”

The roundtable will be held online today at 12-1pm.

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For more information, or for access to the roundtable conversation, please contact:
Nadia Hamdon: 250-532-2482 or nadia.hamdon.841@parl.gc.ca