Women have experienced health inequities in BC for decades, and the COVID-19 pandemic is making these worse. Recent data suggest women’s mental health is suffering and they do not have access to the support they need.
“I am definitely experiencing depression. I am normally a very upbeat person but the loss of my job, and not being able to see my circle of friends and colleagues is really starting to affect me adversely.”
The mental health implications of the COVID-19 pandemic are staggering; secondary impacts of public health countermeasures like isolation, job loss, increased caregiving responsibility, and work in essential industries. Women are shouldering many of these burdens, and their mental health is suffering.
Healthy women are critical to our collective future. They are central to our families, communities, and essential services. And, improving the healthcare system to enable women to stay healthy has the potential to save the BC economy up to $2.6 billion annually.
“I don't know why, but in this day and age, even with women working full time hours THE SAME AS MEN, the brunt of the house work and the child care still seems to fall on our shoulders. It's exhausting.”
Gender inequity in healthcare is systemic—and it’s not new. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this issue, underscoring that for far too long, women have been unheard, unseen and misunderstood.
“We both lost our jobs and don't have extended health. Unfortunately, I have to choose between food/shelter and fixing a cavity.”
By sharing your personal story to raise awareness, amplifying the work of engaged individuals and organizations on social media, or donating to initiatives that improve women’s health, you can help to change the way forward for women.
