Unemployment rates and essential workers disproportionately affect women during the pandemic

Unemployment rates have increased for women in the United States during the covid-19 pandemic and women are more likely to work in front line positions, exposing them to the virus. Women are also more likely to be in caretaking positions in family structures and with their focus on caring for a sick family member or homeschooling children, this leads to less time for focusing on possible advancement in their jobs and potentially leaving their jobs to become a caretaker full time. Women are also more likely to experience domestic violence with abusive partners, and with quarantining, have fewer places to turn to. Women's equality cannot advance if they are more at risk of joblessness, illness, and violence.