United States: women, first victims of the economic crisis linked to Covid-19

Audio 01:04

Supporter of US President Joe Biden holding a sign with the image of Vice President Kamala Harris after the US election in Philadelphia on November 7 (Photo illustration).

© AFP - Chris McGrath

Text by: RFI Follow

3 min

In December more than 140,000 jobs were destroyed in the United States.

The main victims of this economic crisis caused by the coronavirus epidemic are women.

Future President Joe Biden has therefore decided to place them at the heart of his $ 1.9 trillion emergency stimulus package, a plan he presented this week.

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From our special envoys in Philadelphia

Stefanie Schüler

and

Bertrand Haeckler

When Leyla is asked what problem Joe Biden should solve as soon as he arrives at the White House, she replies: “ 

Back to school!

My son has not been in class since the start of confinement in March

 ”.

►Also read:

Kamala Harris, flagship of diversity in the Biden administration

Like Leyla, many women have had to quit their jobs to take care of children.

Often working in more precarious positions than men, women are also more affected by layoffs due to the economic and health crisis.

Risk of loss of home

“ 

Here in Philadelphia, the majority of residents are renters, the majority of whom are single women.

In addition to having to face unemployment, they are also faced with the risk of losing their housing,

 ”explains Jamie Gauthier, elected Democrat on the City Council.

The elected continued: “ 

As we know that they support not only their homes but also their communities, it is very important to guarantee these women economic stability.

And it's good to see that the new president, Joe Biden, shares this point of view.

But I also think he owes his new job to women!

And it's nice that he recognizes it

 ”.

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  • United States

  • Coronavirus

  • Womens rights

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