The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected health, education, mental health, and the environment, with notable impacts on youth, gender equality, democracy, human rights, and peace. UNITE conducted two interviews with civil society organizations, advocates, and a current Member of Parliament, to discuss the challenges and disparities brought to light by the pandemic, focusing on vulnerable populations, including those who use drugs, individuals in prisons, women, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
On this second interview, that explores the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender equality, Mafalda Infante, Head of Parliamentary Engagement at UNITE, interviews Angela León Cáceres, Global Coordinator at Women for Global Fund, and Hon. Esteban Paulón, Member of Parliament from Argentina.
Angela León Cáceres pointed out the significant setbacks in achieving the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), exacerbated by the pandemic. The global life expectancy has regressed to levels seen a decade ago due to inequalities in healthcare access, gender disparities, and increased poverty. The pandemic has worsened gender inequalities by increasing unpaid care responsibilities for women, limiting their economic participation, and exacerbating barriers to healthcare for women and girls, particularly in LMICs (low and middle-income countries). The rise in gender-based violence during the pandemic has further complicated progress toward gender equality. There is an urgent need for equitable access to healthcare innovations, and inclusive decision-making processes are crucial for addressing these challenges.
Hon. Esteban Paulón highlights the severe impact of the pandemic on vulnerable populations, especially the LGBTQI+ community. Compulsory isolation measures led to increased depression and suicide rates among LGBTQ+ youth who faced violence and discrimination at home. Transgender individuals, many involved in sex work, faced heightened institutional violence and poverty due to government measures. The lack of legal recognition for transgender people in South America further excluded them from social programs. Additionally, the LGBTQ+ community faced significant challenges in accessing HIV treatment and healthcare services. Restrictions on movement hindered LGBTQ+ individuals from escaping violence and discrimination, underscoring the need for public investment in healthcare and human rights protections for marginalized groups.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Angela emphasizes the need for long-term strategies for pandemic prevention and response, including vaccination campaigns, monitoring of new viruses, and addressing healthcare access inequalities. Angela stresses the importance of investment in addressing structural inequalities and ensuring citizen participation, especially from women and marginalized communities, in global health decision-making processes like the Pandemic Agreement. The role of civil society and women, who make up 70% of the global health workforce, is critical for strengthening health systems. Improved coordination among governments, communities, and civil society is essential to reaching vulnerable populations and eliminating health disparities. Holding governments accountable for their commitments to the SDGs and ensuring that the Pandemic Agreement reflects the needs of women, girls, and LGBTQ+ communities is key.
Hon. Esteban Paulón highlights the growing political challenges faced globally, including growing distrust between governments and international institutions, fueled by public resentment over isolation measures. The need for inclusive dialogues in global pandemic agreements and fostering democratic international institutions like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations is crucial. The risk posed by authoritarian governments includes promoting isolationism and undermining global cooperation on future pandemics and climate change. There is a call for renewed global solidarity and preparedness for future challenges.
UNITE has been advocating for a Pandemic Agreement that emphasizes transparency, equity, and human rights, and includes civil society and members of Parliament in the discussions. The Join Your Delegation campaign promotes the inclusion of members of Parliament in national delegations to multilateral health forums, such as the World Health Assembly, believing that they can advocate for their constituents’ rights in a more direct way.
