Up and down the class spectrum, women are getting hit particularly hard from the economic fallout of Covid-19. The industries almost entirely shut down by the virus are disproportionately staffed by women. They hold 53% of restaurant and hotel and accommodation jobs, sectors already seeing layoffs and reduced hours because of social distancing directives. They’re the vast majority of teachers and daycare workers many of whom have been sent home or face impending closures. And they’re the working moms balancing workdays with virtual teaching and increased child-care duties.
Women also hold many of the jobs considered vital during this national emergency, meaning they’re being asked to stay on the front lines longer, risking their health and safety.
