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“Gender-based violence has not gone away during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, it’s gotten worse — in homes, in workplaces, and in public. Although it is not a new issue, the pandemic has brought a new urgency to the need to invest in prevention and in supports and services for victims and survivors.” — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
Ottawa (22 Nov. 2021) — November 25 marks the annual International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. It is a day to help raise awareness about gender-based violence, to acknowledge the work that’s been done, and to recommit ourselves to action.
Violence and the pandemic
“Gender-based violence has not gone away during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Larry Brown, President of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE).
“In fact, it’s gotten worse—in homes, in workplaces, and in public. Although it is not a new issue, the pandemic has brought a new urgency to the need to invest in prevention and in supports and services for victims and survivors.”
Why the increase in violence?
In short, the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the pre-existing factors and inequities that contribute to gender-based violence (GBV).
This includes the fact that women generally earn less, are more likely to be precariously employed, and do a disproportionate share of unpaid care and household work. These trends were exacerbated by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, as outlined in this factsheet by the Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women (CRIAW). This is also the case globally, where COVID-19 worsened risk factors for GBV such as poverty and unemployment (UN Women).
Lockdowns also made it difficult for people experiencing violence to access supports.
Disproportionate impacts
GBV disproportionately impacts marginalized women and gender-diverse people.
Indigenous women, Black women, women of colour, women with disabilities, women living in poverty, newcomer women, and LGBTQI2S+ individuals already experience higher rates of violence and harassment. BIPOC women workers have been particularly affected by job and income loss during the pandemic, as NUPGE has reported here. Also, the pandemic also brought on a rise in anti-Asian hate and other forms of discrimination.
“This is yet another way that the COVID-19 crisis is exacerbating existing inequalities,” said Bert Blundon, NUPGE Secretary-Treasurer. “There has been more and more attention to these inequities during the last almost 2 years as a result. But it’s time we move beyond recognition — we need action.”
Actions to end gender-based violence
This year, the International Day coincides with the return of Parliament.
During our federal election campaign, NUPGE’s Election Guide on Domestic Violence stressed the need for government action, compared party platforms, and provided recommendations for addressing this issue. NUPGE has joined advocates and front-line workers in sounding the alarm on the rise in domestic violence during the pandemic and pressing the government to act. We expect the new government to deliver on its commitments — and build on them.
NUPGE has also been vocal in calling on the federal government to implement the ILO Convention on violence and harassment at work (No. 190). It was included in the mandate letter of the last Minister of Labour, but never acted on. We expect to see follow-through from this new government.
The CRIAW factsheet outlines a series of recommendations for ending GBV. They include the implementation of a well-funded national action plan and core funding to women’s organizations providing services, programs, advocacy, and research. It is almost important to collect data on GBV that is disaggregated based on gender, race, ethnicity, income, ability, occupation, age, location, and etc.
16 Days of Activism
Individuals can join the call to action and get involved in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence. It is an international campaign that begins on November 25 and runs until December 10, International Human Rights Day.
This year’s theme is “Orange the world: End violence against women now!” Learn more at UN Women’s website.