The global crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has acted as a catalyst for exacerbating inequalities, whilst also accelerating political and policy changes. The impacts of the pandemic have been particularly harsh on informal and migrant workers.
For domestic workers, who often fall in both categories, the pandemic scenario added precarities to their livelihood, working conditions and well-being.
Held during CSW 66, this parallel event discussed changes in national policies that have affected informal, migrant, and domestic workers rights and livelihoods in China, India, and Malaysia.
The case studies developed under DAWN’s Policy Transformations Project, evidenced that many government responses and relief measures to address the COVID-19 pandemic crisis have been insufficient, inadequate and in the worst-case scenario, rather than reducing inequalities, they ended up reinforcing them. On the other hand, some cases have also shown workers tremendous resilience and increased the capacity to mobilise and organise themselves, coordinate and come together to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
By applying a feminist intersectional and interlinkages approach, the speakers reflected on the effects of the policies and political responses, linking them to overarching trends such as increased biopolitical control on the part of the State, the expansion of authoritarian practices, the centrality of digital communications and technologies, as well as the forms of organising which have also impacted the policy space.
Speakers:
Liva Sreedharan (Malaysia)
Prof. Ritu Dewan (India)
Prof. Zhihong Sa (China)
Commentator: Fish Ip, IDWF (Hong Kong)
This webinar was moderated by María Graciela Cuervo, General Co-coordinator for DAWN.
Tags:
#PolicyTransformations #TransformacionesDePoliticas #COVID19 #CSW