The Covid-19 crisis has had serious consequences for gender equality and has further reinforced existing gender stereotypes, especially the perception that caring for the home and family is primarily the responsibility of women.
In a health and economic crisis, the budget has a central role in dealing with the consequences of the pandemic. However, the analysis indicates that none of the measures introduced were accompanied by an adequate gender analysis, which would assess the differential impact on women and men.
Due to the state of emergency and the dissolved Parliament, the possibilities for oversight and independent scrutiny of the spending of public funds by the public and civil society organizations were significantly limited. Therefore, it is necessary that each government measure be accompanied by detailed documentation on the assessment of the situation, the expected effects, the impact on women and men, as well as the financial implications.
Of particular importance is the accelerated implementation of budget funds allocated for public health and for the procurement of necessary resources and protective equipment. Municipal budgets can also be included in these activities, through appropriate rebalances based on detailed assessments of real needs.
Measures to address the crisis should take into account the different needs of women and men and be designed in a way that does not further deepen existing gender inequality.
Radar, EHO – Shtip, contributed to the preparation of the analysis., A loud textile worker, Rural Coalition, Movement Against Disability "Polio Plus" and the National Network for Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence.
