During a webinar on Gender, Trade and Jobs in times of Covid-19, Ms. Ellard praised joint efforts with the International Labor Organization (ILO) to find a wat to contribute to the economic recovery -after the Covid-19 pandemic- being more inclusive.

Data showed the world has lost as many as 137 million full-time jobs since the end of 2019, being low- and lower-middle-income countries the most hit.

Although previous economic recessions have led to greater job losses for men than for women, this time it was different as Covid-19 has a disproportionately adverse effect on women’s labor market outcomes, ILO said.

Women lost more than 64 million jobs (5%) in 2020, compared to 3.9% for men.

Ms. Ellard said they must guarantee that the economic recovery compensates for this expansion of gender inequality, and trade can be an important tool to create decent job and greener and more prosperous economies.

She recalled that international companies employ more women, pay them better and offer better working conditions.

mh/pll/ode/crc