The OSCE PA President, Gigi Tsereteli took part in the online conference dedicated to the pandemic impact on gender equality.

The OSCE PA organized webinar touched upon the participation of women in development of the counter-pandemic events and action plan, and experience of the women’s organizations in development of the post-epidemic policy.

The conference was attended by the Heads of the Parliamentary Delegations, The IPU President Gabriela Barron, ODIHR Director Ingibjörg Gísladóttir, The OSCE PA Special Representative for Gender Issues Hedy Fry and the experts.

As noted, the epidemic had an impact on various processes, such are economy, healthcare systems, unemployment etc. Hence, it is important to maintain the achievements in gender equality terms in the post-pandemic period and intensification of women’s participation. The attendees noted the necessity of increased quality of business of women in the pandemic period, namely compared to men, there are more women employed in the medical institutions posing themselves to risk, while the education system is practically shut-down and the domestic works also constitute the heavy burden for women.

“Many achievements in gender equality term on the global level are now under the risk. In the post-epidemic stage, when we gradually leave the grave situation, it is important to maintain the achievements in gender equality terms in the post-pandemic period and adhere to the norms. We witness the grave condition of the women and gender imbalance, as well as the discrimination of women, especially against the migrants and IDPs, in conflict zones and on occupied territories, where no medical services are available and often no social distancing and hygienic norms are adhered to”, - G. Tsereteli noted.