Gender and race inequalities in the Covid-19 pandemic: implications for control in Brazil

Abstract

This narrative review synthesized scientific evidence on gender and race inequalities in the Covid-19 pandemic, focusing on women’s productive/reproductive work, gender-based violence, and the access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (SRHS). The results demonstrated that social inequalities must be considered for the effective control of the pandemic and for the preservation of rights. Besides the direct effects of SARS-CoV-2, the literature discusses that barriers to access SRHS can lead to an increase in unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal mortality. Also, social distancing has led several women to stay confined with their aggressors, which hinders the access to reporting services, incurring in the increase of gender-based violence and severe outcomes to health. As main responsible for the care, women are more prone to getting the virus in both professional and domestic spheres. The conciliation between work and family has become more difficult for them during the pandemic. Literature naturalizes gender, race, and social class differences, emphasizing risk factors. An intersectional research plan is needed to support the making of public policies that incorporate human rights and meet the needs of the most vulnerable to Covid-19.