Leaving no one behind in Tomorrow’s Cities: strengthening gender, intersectionality and social inclusion in the COVID-19 crisis and beyond

Abstract

This comment identifies four mechanisms through which the COVID-19 crisis can be leveraged to enhance awareness and integration of marginalized groups and individuals into research and management of multi-hazard risk. The primary focus is on women and girls, but the analysis is intersectional and considers also marginality by disability, age, ethnicity and citizenship. The comment recommends:

• Ensuring equal representation and meaningful participation in disaster (including pandemic) management by women, non-binary and gender non-conforming persons and grass-roots communities.

• Application of sex-age, disability inclusive disaggregated data and targeted interventions for all vulnerable groups.

• Gender inclusive social protection and financing for economic response and recovery.

• Leaving no one behind in building back to a new normal.