The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the world of work. Lockdowns, restrictions on activity and movement, and economic turmoil have cut working hours and resulted in the elimination of millions of jobs.

Preliminary evidence suggests that the recovery is not benefiting women and men equally, once again leaving women behind. The impact on women, and especially young women, has been catastrophic.

Yet much has been learned since the start of this crisis, and a clearer picture of its impact on jobs—especially among women in the world of work—has emerged, as has an awareness about what kind of policy responses can safeguard jobs and support recovery.

Guest: Valeria Esquivel, Employment Policies and Gender specialist in the Employment, Labour Market and Youth Branch of the ILO’s Employment Policy Department