The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women in the Four County Region

Using key labour force statistics derived from the Labour Force Survey (LFS), this report examines the impact of COVID-19 on women in the Four County Region between February 2020 and October 2021 (20-month period). We have analyzed the key labour market variables (e.g. employment, unemployment rate, not in labor force, employment rate, age cohorts, etc.) indicating a difference between men’s and women’s labour force participation, as a result of COVID-19. Moreover, there is a further exploration of sectors in which women’s participation in the labour force has been significantly impacted. Through this analysis, we may gain a greater understanding of the challenges that women in our region are facing, how to best assist them with possible re-training and re-entry to the workforce post-COVID, and how to design effective and equitable solutions as we move forward.