COVID, the economic crisis, and the status of women in Georgia

This interview is part of a multi-media series that highlights how the pandemic and related economic crisis are impacting women in states around the country, and illustrates why it is so critical for the federal government to provide additional funding to the states. This project builds on our recent report about the economic crisis and the need for a gender equitable recovery.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen the impact that the economic recession, record jobless claims, and the shuttering of businesses, schools, and daycare centers has had on women all over the US. As data has shown, however, the impact on women and women’s experiences vary by state. Taifa Butler, president and CEO of the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, spoke with us about how the COVID-19 crisis is impacting women in Georgia and what policies are needed to ensure their safety and well-being.

What are you hearing from women in Georgia? We know this economic crisis is taking a particularly heavy toll on women of color. What have you seen in terms of women’s health and economic wellbeing in your work across the state?

Were their circumstances facing women in GA pre-COVID that made them particularly vulnerable to the pandemic and economic crisis?

What are the most urgent needs of women in Georgia?

Are there supports (features of CAREs Act or others) that have been most essential/helpful for women and families during the pandemic? There are ongoing conversations about what another federal relief package might look like. What are the key features would need to be included in a federal package to address the needs of women across Georgia?

There are ongoing conversations about what another federal relief package might look like. What are the key features would need to be included in a federal package to address the needs of women across Georgia?

COVID, the economic crisis, and the status of women in Georgia