Women are more likely to be essential workers and to work in areas most affected by job loss. While many people have experienced additional costs, core social welfare rates have not increased. Women on maternity leave have had a particularly difficult time during the Covid-19 crisis. During the restrictions, women’s care responsibilities have increased. School and childcare closures put extra pressure on many women, especially lone parents. Care workers are working in even more challenging conditions. 

Our advocacy work

• Together with the women affected, NWCI led and supported  important campaigns for women's rights and well-being during this time. Our #NoDiscrimination campaign ensured that women returning from maternity could have access to the Covid-19 wage subsidy. NWC also supported women calling for an extension of maternity leave as part of the  #ExtendMaternityLeave2020 campaign, highlighting the difficult circumstances of women who gave birth shortly before or during the Covid-19 crisis. 
• In a number of submissions, we called for ugently needed investment into our public care infrastructure to support people at all stages of the lifecycle. An overview of our key asks is available in our Pre-Budget Submission 2021 - A Feminist Recovery.  
• We called for investment in a public model for childcare and decent pay and conditions for childcare workers in various consultation processes. We continue our work as part of the Big Start campaign. 
• NWC continues to work with partners on supports for lone parents. Our joint submission calls for action to address unemployment and poverty.
• We presented recommendations to the Citizens’ Assembly on Gender Equality, on work and social welfare.
• We are campaigning for a Four Day Week to allow for a better sharing of caring responsibilities and greater work-life balanc. Watch our briefing on the key issues.
• We work with partners on the Stop 67 campaign. Budget 2021 halted pension age increases and we will continue to address pensions inequalities for women.