Pandemics tend to affect men and women differently, and specialists in gender issues are warning that the COVID-19 coronavirus may hit women in negative ways that have a more profound impact on families.

Women make up the majority of caregivers, at home and in our communities. Existing trends show they have less access to sexual and reproductive health and domestic violence rises during crises.

But women have also the power to be ‘change makers in the response agenda’ playing a central role in communicating with their families, and with their communities.

UN News’s Anshu Sharma spoke to UN Women’s Deputy Country Representative in India, Nishtha Satyam.