Issues which for too long have been easy to ignore are suddenly emerging as urgent. The increased prevalence of domestic abuse, the dire pay of care workers, and gaps in the welfare system have all gained traction. For some politicians, policymakers and the public these are new issues, but for others they are simply more visible. And now that people are taking notice, there is potential to act on these gender disparities that have long plagued society.
The Domestic Abuse Bill working its way through Parliament provides an opportunity to adequately fund the organisations supporting survivors to be safe. Domestic abuse is escalating, with abusers having more control over survivors during lockdown and many trapped unable to leave. It is the increase in prevalence and public awareness that is new here. Before Covid-19 two women were killed every week by a partner or ex-partner; survivors were locked in relationships with abusers controlling movement and many feared for their children’s safety. The lack of adequate funding and suitable refuge accommodation resulted in organisations struggling to survive and support survivors. It is these same organisations – still struggling financially, urging politicians and funders to deliver the right support at the right time, both now and for beyond lockdown when the reality of abuse is unlikely to recede. Behind closed doors, domestic abuse is more visible with the challenges of physical, financial and emotional well-being more acute.
“Existing ideas are there to build on; housing provision for those fleeing abuse, genuine living wages, universal childcare.”
The burden that frontline care workers face is also more real. The public has shown admiration for workers’ commitment to their patients recognising the immense physical and financial risks. But it is not new that this highly feminised workforce has been undervalued and low paid for decades. There are many reasons for this; but key is that care work is considered to be “women’s work” and although demand has increased with an ageing population, funding has decreased as a result of cuts that landed on local authorities’ social care budgets. Covid-19 has cast a sharp lens on the persistent poor terms and conditions that this sector faces. There is now an opportunity to value the sector, boost wages and offer job security.
And it is also not new that security has been lacking from the welfare system. Like the care sector, political choices and funding cuts have led to disastrous effects for some. Before Covid-19, the child poverty rates of single parent families in work were rising. Many single parent families were worse off after moving onto Universal Credit, not able to access flexible work or affordable childcare to make ends meet. The government’s Covid-19 response was quick, with welcome temporary changes to the welfare system. They will help, but over time old challenges will merge with new ones on the horizon. Take childcare for example. If the lockdown eases at the same time as summer holidays begin it will become an additional barrier for parents working in retail or care sectors which are low paid and who are not able to work from home. School holiday childcare has always been expensive and so these parents are at a disadvantage and face a greater risk of redundancy if they are not able to return to work. Predictions are that women (and young people) will face the brunt of redundancy as the lockdown eases. This will amplify the “motherhood pay penalty” where mothers take a pay cut and earn less because of the lack of affordable childcare and flexible work. Pay inequality for women is certainly not new, nor is the lack of affordable childcare. The government’s welfare package illustrates the scope and speed in which change can happen to support families, by plugging some holes in the welfare system. And local authorities together with the voluntary and community sector have flexed provision to immediately meet demand to those most vulnerable. The pressure to continue this support and respond to changing needs will only increase.
There will of course be new consequences, risks and vulnerability that emerge from Covid-19. But in other areas, existing ideas are there to build on; housing provision for those fleeing abuse, genuine living wages, universal childcare, bold reform to the benefits system and labour market policies that support retention. New would be to adapt these ideas to make them work in changing social, political and economic times. Visibility and voices on women’s issues from the frontline might mean that this moment in time is finally a catalyst for sustainable change.
Dalia Ben-Galim is a freelance policy and research consultant.