By Serena Mohammed, CASJ Status of Women Action Group and Richmond teacher

Many communities, organizations, and levels of government have been working on developing economic recovery plans that include strategies to address the issues that arise as the pandemic progresses and those that may occur after the pandemic ends. The pandemic has amplified many inequities and barriers that have impacted people since long before 2020. Barriers and social issues that impact workers who identify as women, transgender, Two-Spirit, or non-binary have been highlighted, especially for those who also identify as members of other equity-seeking groups, such as Indigenous, Black and People of Colour (IBPOC), disabled, low income, and LGBTQ2S+.

The barriers and inequities that have been magnified remind us that the economic policies and practices that are part of all levels of government have not been working equitably for many people. As teachers who care about the futures of our colleagues, students, and their families, it is essential that we advocate for economic recovery plans that proactively and meaningfully address intersectional gender inequities.

Women, Two-Spirit, transgender, and non-binary people disproportionally represent part-time, gig, and minimum-wage workers. In addition, many do not get paid for the work that they contribute to their families and communities. Furthermore, women, Two-Spirit, trans, and non-binary people make up a disproportionate percentage of employees in care-related sectors, such as workers in healthcare, long-term care facilities, child care, and education. Under the pandemic, these care workers are required to face high levels of health and safety risks, yet many do not receive equitable compensation.

Compared to men, a greater percentage of women, Two-Spirit, transgender, and non-binary people have lost their jobs during the pandemic. Another inequity is that the gender-based pay gap still remains a reality in our country. In addition, because of various barriers and inequities, women, Two-Spirit, transgender, and non-binary people are more frequently deemed ineligible for employment insurance (EI) than men.

It is important for us to advocate for economic recovery plans at all levels of government that address inequities and barriers by:

• increasing access to affordable child care
• recognizing unpaid care work
• improving working conditions
• job security, and wages for all workers
• changing eligibility requirements for EI
• improving paid sick leave
• making training and professional development opportunities more accessible
• and facilitating access to accommodations for folks with disabilities and medical needs.

Poor job security and unfair wages are not the only barriers and inequities that are affecting many women, Two-Spirit, transgender, and non-binary people. Gender-based violence is also a crisis that has been magnified during the pandemic. Women, Two-Spirit, transgender, and non-binary folks who are members of other equity-seeking groups—such as people who identify IBPOC, LGBTQ2S+ and people with disabilities—continue to experience additional barriers and inequalities due to misogyny, racism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of oppression. During the pandemic, an increased number of women, Two-Spirit, transgender, and non-binary people have sought support for issues related to hate crimes and gender-based violence.

An inclusive and equitable economic recovery plan must support legislation, policies, programs, and services that address all forms of systemic oppression in all areas of society, including the justice, health care, education, and economic systems. There should be adequate funding to support policies and programs guided by the recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Funds are also needed for affordable housing, services provided by non-profit and grassroots organizations, antiracism and anti-oppression training, and other policies, programs, and strategies that address intersectional gender inequities and barriers.

Social issues and systemic oppression that were amplified during the pandemic provide a stark reminder to folks that past and current economic policies and practices have not been working equitably for all.

This is a rare opportunity for all levels of government to reconsider and redevelop their economic plans. An equitable recovery plan developed through an intersectional gender lens will benefit everyone and advance equity and inclusion for all. It is important for our students and their families, colleagues, community members, and all workers that all levels of government develop plans that will work for everyone.

Recommended resources:

• Rebuilding with Equity: Economic Recovery through an Intersectional Gender lens, BC Federation of Labour
• A Feminist Economic Recovery Plan for Canada: Making the economy work for everyone, The YWCA and The Institute for Gender and the Economy