Over a year ago, the COVID-19 pandemic sparked an economic downturn—a “she-cession”—that continues to disproportionately affect women. Over the last year, women have left the workforce in record numbers, and unemployment is highest for women of color. Many women have lost their jobs due to pandemic-related industry challenges, while even more have dropped out of the workforce due to lack of childcare. Immigrant women, many of whom are essential workers in industries such as food, agriculture, and health care, have faced a number of intersectional challenges in the workplace. And, working mothers are exhausted from the stress of balancing their professional responsibilities and their children’s needs during the pandemic.

This she-cession will have a multi-layered impact on women’s participation in the workforce and long-term economic security. During this program, panelists will discuss how the Biden-Harris administration can help support women in the workplace in order to overcome the challenges of the pandemic and move the needle forward on gender equity.

Please register in advance.

Panelists:

• Shelly Anand, J.D., Executive Director and Co-Founder, Sur Legal Collaborative; Wellesley College Class of 2008; WCW Council of Advisors Member
• Kristin Butcher, Ph.D., Marshall I. Goldman Professor of Economics, Wellesley College
• Deniz Çivril, Ph.D., Research Scientist, Wellesley Centers for Women

Moderator: Layli Maparyan, Ph.D., Katherine Stone Kaufmann '67 Executive Director, Wellesley Centers for Women; Professor of Africana Studies, Wellesley College

This virtual program is part of the Social Change Dialogues series hosted by the Wellesley Centers for Women. This program will be recorded and shared with those who cannot attend live. Please send questions about this program to wcw@wellesley.edu.