This paper examined the gender-related effects of COVID-19 on African least developed countries (LDCs).
The trends shows that unemployment in African LDCs almost doubled from 6.97% in 2019 to 11.55% in 2020. Women are disproportionately affected due to their over-representation in informal employment across sectors.
The negative impacts are compounded by existing gender inequalities within the labour market and lack of social security support.
Limited fiscal space of the LDCs as most of them are not able to extend the required support to most vulnerable individuals and businesses in the informal economy, of which more than 50% are owned by women, dims the odds of their recovery post-COVID-19.
Mitigating job and income losses through redistribution mechanisms or social protection policies that enhance equality remains the most viable policy option in the short run to enhance recovery.
ln the long term, increased gender parity, strengthening social welfare systems whilst ensuring financial inclusion of the informal sector and closing the digital divide between gender and income groups will go a long way in enhancing recovery and build economic resilience to future pandemics.
