Archives

Covid-19: Amplifying Gender Inequality

Dec10

Undoubtedly the Covid-19 Pandemic has impacted and changed the way people in Ireland have been living their lives since March 2020. Data and prior research highlight that men and women are impacted by pandemics differently and that they can amplify existing inequalities. Organisations such as the United Nations have identified women as being one of the most vulnerable groups that are being hit hardest by the pandemic. While it has been suggested that the coronavirus pandemic could wipe out 25 years of increasing gender equality.

“Women are doing significantly more domestic chores and family care, because of the impact of the pandemic. Everything we worked for, that has taken 25 years, could be lost in a year,” says UN Women Deputy Executive Director Anita Bhatia.

Employment and education opportunities could be lost, and women may suffer from poorer mental and physical health. The care burden poses a “real risk of reverting to 1950s gender stereotypes”, Ms Bhatia stated [1]

As a grassroots women’s organisation NCCWN Donegal Women’s Network recognised early that women in Donegal will face unique experiences, challenges and impacts during the pandemic because of their gender. We believe it is important women in Donegal have their lived experiences through the Covid-19 pandemic documented, recognised and acknowledged. And that women’s experiences and voices are acknowledged within any local and national post Covid-19 recovery strategy and that decision-making bodies recognise the particular experiences of women’s lives in society and tailor any recovery budgets, policies, plans and programmes accordingly.

To support this, we carried out a county survey to capture information that would allow us to understand the impact of the pandemic on women’s lives in Donegal.

The survey findings provide a snapshot into the lived experiences of women during the March-June first wave restriction period in Donegal. It is evident from the data gathered that the Covid-19 pandemic has created additional stresses for women in the County and added pressure to existing gender inequalities and gender stereotypes.  

832 women took part in the survey, and talked about a number of issues and challenges they have faced between the March-June 2020, pandemic period. Which included dealing with additional household workload, increased caring responsibilities; dealing with post-traumatic stress with Covid-19 restrictions re-triggering past traumatic experiences, going through pregnancy during the pandemic, dealing with ongoing health issues while trying to stay safe through the pandemic.

Some of the most common themes raised by women with children which directly impacted their mental health related to childcare and work. Many of these women talked about the additional workload and the challenge of balancing working from home and childcare, expectations. 

While women living with a partner highlighted that even with a partner or husband in the house, it still fell on them to be responsible for childcare. Home-schooling was a particular issue raised by women, many stated that they had experienced an assumption by their partner that it would be them who would look after home-schooling. Which was a cause of frustration for women.

Many women particularly young women, women living in their own and lone parent mothers highlighted experiencing feelings of anxiety, isolation and loneliness. With constant worrying and isolation leading to sleep issues. Being away from friends and family also contributed to this. For others stress and anxiety was being brought on by worrying about the uncertainty of the future, finances and how they were going to pay bills if no work continued because of Covid-19.

Isolation and loneliness were particular areas of mental health that was experienced by women with 60.4% of women reporting that they have experienced feelings of isolation and 57% reported feelings of loneliness since Covid-19. These levels were particularly high for young women, lone parent mothers, single women and women living alone.

Additional stresses were also brought about from a feeling of expectation that with more free time now you should be doing stuff and being active at home all the time when in reality you’re just trying to cope with getting through the day. While women who were front-line workers also expressed that their mental health was being impacted by a lack of support from their employers in relation to new workloads, personal safety and proper communication during the months between March and June 2020. 

Survey results showed that, 61.1% of women living in Donegal feel that their mental health has been impacted by Covid-19. This percentage increased to 78% for women within the 18-25 age group and 70% for women between 26-40 years of age. While women living in the Buncrana Electoral Area had the highest percentage at 68% and 68.6% of women with a civil status of living with a partner had the highest percentage for any civil status category.

And while the survey also highlights that women in Donegal have come to learn, develop and adapt to the new way of living, a question that must be asked is at what cost to their long-term mental health? Is this adaptation and change sustainable in the long term or even fair? And is there significant capacity within mental health support services locally to meet future demand?

From a gender lens analysis perspective, some of the challenges and additional stresses experienced by women during the Covid-19 pandemic can be attributed to issues of gender inequality. However, when women in the survey were asked if they thought Covid-19 had highlighted gender inequality gaps in Ireland, with the given options of; Yes, No and Didn’t know, 23.8% of women said YES, 23.9% said NO and 52.3% said they didn’t know. These statistics would indicate that there needs to be a better understanding about gender inequality and its impact on women’s lives.

Women in the 26-40 years’ category reported the highest level in Increased physical household workload for any age group; while women Living with partner reported the highest level in the civil status category with married women coming a close second; within the household category, lone parent mothers and women in living alone other reported the highest experienced increase in physical household workload.

The findings highlighted that the majority of childcare responsibilities and housework is falling onto women, that within households there is an assumption it will be the woman who is solely responsible for this area of work.  While there may be situations where this is agreed upon, the vast majority of the experiences expressed by women would indicate that there is often no agreement within relationships but rather an assumption. Such assumptions are likely built by continued held social gender stereotypes, that a woman’s role is to look after the children and family home. Such stereotypes are detrimental to achieving gender equality and the healthy sustainable development of our society.

Women in the 18-25 years’ category (54%) reported the highest level in supporting a family/community member cocooning due to the pandemic, for any age group; while women Living with partner (53%) reported the highest level in the civil status category; within the household category, women in living alone (49%) and women living with a partner and child/children (49.7%) reported the highest level in supporting a family/community member cocooning

Fundamentally as we all learn to live with around Covid-19 and health measures we also need to ensure that we are adopting measures and a way of living that supports the growth of gender equality and does not reinforce gender inequality structures.

You can download a full copy of the Impact Survey Report below.

nccwn-donegal-womens-network-the-impact-of-covid-19-on-womens-lives-report-2020-1Download

[1] Coronavirus and gender: More chores for women set back gains in equality; By Sandrine Lungumbu and Amelia Butterly,  November 2020 https://www.bbc.com/news/world-55016842?fbclid=IwAR3BiPLXq7H-_Q6pJygRsaChN1GKKAzv3-NKONWbtkzi9WfQrP8p4mqY6gU

 

Why doesn’t she just leave him?

Dec1

In this Women’s Live’s, Women’s Voice’ feature in support of the 16 days of action campaign  Donegal local Jenna talks about the issue of domestic abuse, highlighting why it’s so important to understand the realities of victims and survivors.

Did you know Ireland is currently taking part in the annual International campaign known as the 16 Days of Action? This internationally recognised campaign runs from 25th November (UN Day For the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10th December 2020 (International Human Rights Day). It is a campaign used to highlight the issue of gender based violence and an organising strategy by individuals and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. (UN Women)

Gender-Based Violence refers to “violence that is directed against a person on the basis of gender or sex and includes acts that inflict physical, mental or sexual harm or suffering, threats of such acts, coercion and other denials of freedom” (cosc.ie)

And while both men and women can experience gender based violence the reality however remains that in 2020 it is women and girls who are disproportionately affected by this violence. With 1 in 4 women in Ireland having experienced domestic abuse by a current or former partner. (Women’s Aid)

Why doesn’t she just leave him?

By nature people are quick to form judgments. Have you ever sat just drinking a coffee and watching strangers pass by as you contemplate what kind of people they may be? I think it’s normal for us to create stories in our minds now and again about the lives of others and the characteristics they may possess.

Or maybe you can think of a time when you have read or watched a news story on television and had speculated about those involved and how they might have found themselves in a certain situation.

We take in what we can see in front of us and somehow our brains begin to connect the dots and form opinions about people. Maybe in some cases we judge correctly but in others we are just guessing without any real depth of knowledge.

Perhaps it is something we can teach ourselves to refrain from doing. Maybe sometimes we need to take a step back and really truly think about the person we are making the assumptions about.

“Before you judge my life, my past or my character, walk in my shoes, walk the path I have travelled, live my sorrow, my doubts, my fear, my pain and my laughter” – Unknown

After my sister’s death last year I learned a lot of life lessons that I’d never imagined I would have to. I had to face things that I would never have dreamed could have happened to our family. I definitely learned that we don’t know what is going on in other people’s lives and the difficulties they face.

Since Jasmine died I think that people feel as though they can talk to me about their own problems more so than a person who hasn’t experienced this tragedy. Through this difficult journey I have had several women talk to me about their past experiences with domestic violence or the current situation that they are in.

I truly don’t think that enough people are aware of the extent of people who are having to deal with gender based violence in their lives. So many of the victims who I have spoken to are probably the women who society would ‘never expect’ would find themselves in a situation like that. But unfortunately this type of violence is happening more than we think.

Why doesn’t she just leave him? A question that has probably been asked a million times. Maybe to some people this is a logical question. Just walk away. Simple? Every million times this question is asked there are another million responses as to why this question isn’t in fact helpful or logical.

When I was asked to take part in 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence I knew that I had to take this opportunity to share some of the reasons that the women I have spoken to share with me.

One of the reasons that came up over and over again was because of the children.

“A mother will do almost anything to protect her child and I stayed because I didn’t know what could happen if I tried to leave.” – Lady 1

“I felt as though I was trapped and if I moved then my children would be in danger” – Lady 2

Another reason that we discussed was the guilt that the victim is made to feel.

“I stayed with him because he said he was going to kill himself and it would be all my fault ” – Lady 3

This type of threat was also used against a victim but while adding the extra danger by involving the child. “I stayed with him because he threatened to kill himself or run away with our daughter if I left” – Lady 4

Other reasons why these women stayed included an immense sense of fear. A feeling of shame about the situation they are in and also financial constraints. If they left, where would they go, how could they leave without the money to escape.

But all of the victims I spoke to did express something that it is so important, that gender based violence becomes something that people are more aware of. That questions and judgmental statements aren’t helpful in preventing it from happening. Awareness is key and in order to help these people we must understand that everything isn’t always black and white and there are so many factors involved in these extremely dangerous circumstances.

So why doesn’t she just leave him? It’s most definitely not that simple.

Please know you are not alone, there are people you can talk to. If you or any one you know have been effected by domestic abuse you can find support with the following services;

Local county wide support in Donegal 

Donegal Women’s Domestic Violence Service is a frontline service providing crisis accommodation, 24 hr helpline, support (1800262677) and information and outreach service throughout the County to women and their children who are victims of domestic violence.

Donegal Women’s Centre operate a domestic violence counselling service delivered in the Donegal Women’s Centre with outreach centres in, Killybegs, Ballyshannon, Falcarragh, Dungloe and Carndonagh. Call 074 91 24985 for appointment or more information

National support in Ireland

Women’s Aid Ireland Freephone Helpline (1800 341 900) operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provides support and information to callers experiencing abuse from intimate partners.

Safe Ireland You can find a list of County services across Ireland here.

Men’s Aid Ireland is a service for men who are experiencing domestic violence. You can call them on 01 554 3811or email hello@mensaid.ie.
Their helpline is open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.

The National Office for Victims of Abuse provides assistance, support and advice for people in abusive relationships. Freephone 1800 252 524.

Anyone who may wish to report or discuss an incident of Domestic or Sexual Violence can contact 112/999 or their local Garda Station.

NCCWN Donegal are always looking for women to share their stories and looking for women to write features on topics of their choice which we will profile as part of our Women’s Lives, Women’s Voices’ series.

A Life Transformed From The Soul

Nov17

In this Women’s Lives, Women’s Voices feature, Donegal Town Local Theresa Morrow, wife mother and grandmother speaks about her faith and how she has found peace and joy from within amongst the most challenging and arduous of times.

In the midst of life’s trials and with the added unexplainable Covid-19, I want to share with you a beautiful story of Love, Forgiveness, and Faith.

As women we seem to be relied upon by others and carry the heavy burden of responsibility, caring for children, husband, parents, friends, career, home, school, etc.

I have been blessed in so many ways, but if I am honest there were times when I would have loved to run and hide from it all, hoping to escape the entire world, so I would for once not feel responsible for any of it.

Four years ago, this January, our Grandson was born with congenital heart defect, this is a life-threatening condition. Between life’s trials and total helplessness in the current situation I literally fell on my knees one night and sobbed to God  “ If your there God show me the way, Please God show me the way” at the same time repenting of things I felt may have offended God in  my life, I got up washed my face got on with my day, not realising what God was about to do in my life.

I met a lady a few days later that told me God had changed her life through spending time in scripture reading and studying The Bible. I immediately was drawn to this Bible study, where remarkably to me I got such peace from the promise and assurance that God had heard my cry. As I read the scriptures it made sense, Jesus died for me and was alive in heaven waiting on me to invite him into my heart to have a relationship with him, now it must be my move, as he had given us free will to follow him or not our choice. As soon as I asked him to be Lord of my Life, and when I let the barriers down and opened my heart, he filled me with The Love of God and in turn that love in me radiates out to others, I feel joy and a peace as he promised, compassion ,kindness, better able to understand the struggles people carry, and wanting them to receive this wonderful free gift of Grace from God in his son Jesus Christ.

Life still holds its daily struggles, but there is a great comfort of walking with The Saviour daily. His love is there from the beginning and will be there for all eternity. He says he comes to heal the sick, mend the broken hearts, give comfort and an abundant life. My Grandson still had hospital appointments, surgery, but whatever happens God used him to bring Light into our hearts where there was darkness and fear for his future and ours, now I know we are held in God’s love.

I now see the fruits of how faith has transformed the life of others, also family members who believe and have surrendered to the Saviour of The World. We may blame others and their short comings for our own utter despair, not knowing what is missing until we receive it. This gift of Grace has been given to me by God our creator and Heavenly Father, it is by asking that we receive it is by listening that we hear.

Most of all I feel a deep sense of Peace, Joy, Trust and Faith. I am divinely led and feel divinely protected on my daily walk in this world.

God gave us eternal life through his son Jesus and promised to send all who receive and walk with him His Holy Spirit. When The Holy Spirit connects with our spirit we are then complete in person and are now his children, all his Blessings pour into our lives on earth also the gift of assurance of salvation in death. In Christ I have found what was missing in my life, an emptiness that no one or nothing else could fill.

It didn’t happen overnight it is not a sprint but a beautiful marathon of learning understanding and knowing, that will be with you for the rest of your life.

We can have all the religion in the world and still not know Our Heavenly Father and Saviour. This is the power of God at work in our everyday lives all that is required is an open heart and a seeking soul. Jesus said “I am the way the truth and the life nobody comes to the Father except through me”.

If you feel inspired by what I have shared, there is a number of Bible readings, studying the word together and growing in understanding of God. Bible Study takes place in The Mustard Seed Donegal Town, Ard na Breatha Donegal Town, Community Centre Ardara, Bride Church Bruckless, Ballintra, Donegal Town, Letterkenny, Donegal  Group of Parishes etc.etc.

There are numerous Bible studies available on zoom during Covid 19, details through email address below, also Alpha Course by Nicky Gumbel available as group studies.

I also made a CD of my experience to glorify God and help lead you to this gift of Grace, it is free for anyone who would like a copy. You can email me at info@ardnabreatha.com for more information.

Thank you

Theresa x

NCCWN Donegal are always looking for women to share their stories and looking for women to write features on topics of their choice which we will profile as part of our Women’s Lives, Women’s Voices’ series.

Learn how to feel good about yourself

Oct27

Since the global outbreak of the Covid-19 the United Nations have identified women as being one of the most vulnerable groups that are being hit hardest by the pandemic. This is also evident locally too.

The results of the NCCWN Donegal Women’s Network, Covid-19 impact survey reveal that 61.1% of women in Donegal feel their mental health had been impacted by Covid-19, with 36.7% of women stating that they have had less time to look after their mental health and wellbeing since March.

The survey further identified lone parents, single women and women living alone were particularly experiencing higher levels of mental health impacts with increased feelings of isolation and loneliness.

As a grassroots women’s organisation NCCWN Donegal seek to response to identified needs where we can.  We are therefore pleased to be taking bookings for the Covid to Calm course for women starting in November.  

This is a FREE 4-week online group course, being offered to young single women (26-40yrs) in an evening session starting on Wednesday 4th November, 7.30-9.00pm, and lone parent mothers (26-40yrs) in a morning session starting on Thursday 5th November, 10.30am-12pm.

The aim of this course is to support women in their health and wellness, promoting personal development, well-being and positive mental health. This course will be interactive, with talks, presentations, videos, groups discussion and many other activities.

If you would like to sign up for this course please fill our online form here https://forms.gle/kyWSDCCTLaVRki8g9

For further information please contact NCCWN Donegal Women’s Network by email on donegalwomensnetwork@gmail.com. Booking is essential, book early to avoid disappointment.

This course is funded by Donegal ETB Community Education Support Programme.

We hope to offer further courses like this in 2021 to support more women in Donegal. If you don’t fit into the November course criteria please drop us an email if you would be interested in any future courses.