Work inequalities for Romanian women during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Inequalities between women and men in the labor market intensified during the pandemic, wiping out at least two years of progress over the past decade, accordingly to recent reports (European Commission, World Bank, etc.). The existing analyses estimate a "COVID-19 gap" that compares job losses with the increase in employment expected before the pandemic, finding that there are 5.1 million more women unemployed and 5.2 million fewer women working now, compared to what would have happened if the pandemic did not occur. According to Global Gender Gap Report 202," Romania was placed in the 88th position in The Global Gender Gap Index 2021 rankings, with the most significant decrease in Eastern Europe, as compared with the previous year. Our article is focused on the situation of Romanian gender inequalities. As methods of research, we used secondary analysis of data and focus groups. Our study's results discuss the situation of women's inequalities in the Romanian workforce market, particularly in the educational system. Our conclusions point out the necessity of solutions for Romanian women to ease their work's existing double and triple burdens.