For the eyes of expat wives only: A lament
Women are disproportionately affected by the pandemic around the world. Even privileged expat women like me are suffering. (But please don't read this if you think we shouldn't be whining because we have it better than most!) The COVID-19 pandemic is disproportionately affecting women around the world. In developing countries, women are more likely to be working in the informal sector with fewer social protections and in the industries most affected by COVID-19 (e.g., tourism, hospitality). They have fewer savings and less access to credit than men (so they can't tide their small businesses over difficult times) and are more likely to have to take on unpaid caregiving work, which eats into their capacity to do work that brings them income. Women in industrialized countries are also disproportionately affected by the lockdowns. Women are more likely to lose their jobs, cut down on hours, or forego promotions . The physical and psychological toll on women can be tremendous
