IL HR0219

COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected women economically, with women suffering 60 percent of pandemic-related job losses and unemployment reaching 16 percent, particularly for Black, Latinx, and disabled women.

Women comprise over 50 percent of essential workers (including 78 percent of social workers and 77 percent of healthcare workers) but face inadequate childcare, unsafe working conditions, and Personal Protective Equipment that fits less than 30 percent of women correctly.

School and daycare closures forced many women to leave jobs or shift to part-time work, with 1 in 4 women who lost jobs citing lack of childcare, reducing lifetime income by 65 percent.

Pandemic restrictions increased gender-based violence and reduced women's access to health services, shelters, crisis centers, and maternal healthcare, exacerbating maternal mortality rates especially for Black and Latinx women.

House urges state lawmakers to enact policies including funding for education using evidence-based formulas, Paid Family Leave, Paid Sick Leave, and healthcare and safety programs addressing women's needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.