Mothers have been some of the worst affected by COVID-19. Here’s how to help them

May 7, 2021

A woman works in a house with her cat while workers are forced to work from home and demand payback for extra home office costs during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Sassenheim, Netherlands October 2, 2020. Picture taken October 2, 2020. REUTERS/Eva Plevier - RC2HDJ9U715C

Women with young children have been among the biggest casualties of the economic lockdowns. Image: REUTERS/Eva Plevier - RC2HDJ9U715C

Kristalina Georgieva

Managing Director, International Monetary Fund

Stefania Fabrizio

Deputy Division Chief, International Monetary Fund

Diego B. P. Gomes

Analyst, Strategy, Policy, and Review Department, International Monetary Fund

Marina M. Tavares

Economist, International Monetary Fund

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a chart showing the effect of covid lockdowns on mothers in the us uk and spain

Despite differences, all three countries shared one thing in common: mothers of young children have been disproportionately affected by the lockdown. Image: IMF

a chart comparing the effect of lockdown on men and women

In all countries, mothers have been hardest. Image: IMF

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