Documents Barry, Ursula 2 results

"This study was commissioned by the European Parliament's Policy Department for Citizens' Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the FEMM Committee. It explores the impact of COVID-19 on the EU care economy, the gendered nature of care work and its continued reliance on unpaid or low-paid work of women. Issues of valuing and measuring care are examined selected countries are examined with different systems of care provision. Despite the recognition of the centrality of the care economy during the pandemic, the establishment of a new highly significant EU funding mechanism (the Recovery and Resilience Fund, RRF) is focused largely on digital and green investments, paying only marginal attention to gender equality and the care economy."

"Based on research commissioned by the FEMM Committee of the European Parliament (published in 2021), this article explores the impact of Covid-19 on the care economy, gender equality, and the newly established EU Covid-19 Recovery Fund. Gendered impacts of Covid-19 are explored focusing on the care systems of nine selected EU societies, and highlighting poor conditions, particularly among workers in – mainly private – long-term care congregated facilities for older people. Research data documenting increased gendered inequalities in the home (arising from the withdrawal of, or restrictions of care, health, and educational services), as well as evidence of increased gender-based violence, are drawn together. The establishment of a substantial EU Recovery Fund ringfencing significant funding for the EU green and digital economies, but without equivalent supports for the care economy is documented. This study concludes that 30% of EU recovery funds should be designated for the care economy to create more equal funding status with the green and digital economies"