The COVID-19 pandemic is shaping up to be a significant setback for women’s economic security, and those facing intersecting systemic discrimination are suffering the largest and most profound losses and face the greatest difficulties emerging from the crisis.

Governments need to step up to address both the immediate economic needs the pandemic has created and the longer-term, equitable recovery this crisis requires.

The celebration of International Women’s Day and upcoming federal Budget affords an opportunity to take stock of the devastation that has unfolded over the past year – and imagine a better, more inclusive and just future.