The COVID-19 pandemic is largely concentrated in cities and urban areas, with around 2,600 cities globally reporting at least one case of the disease. While the epicentre of the global health crisis is still Europe and North America, its impact on developing countries may be more devastating, especially for the poorest. The 1 billion+ people living in slums and slum-like settings in developing countries, where population density is high, are those most at-risk and least prepared.

Spotlight on Goal 11: Harsh realities: Marginalized women in cities of the developing world.

Countries have taken prevention and mitigation measures to contain the spread of COVID 19 including lockdowns and shelter-in-place orders. However, of concern, are the densely overcrowded, slums and slum-like areas where sanitation and physical distancing measures are near impossible. For women and girls who are slum-dwellers, the challenges are even greater as they face increased domestic violence (already being reported) and unpaid care burdens. UN-Habitat in collaboration with UN-Women have produced a Spotlight on Goal 11 paper that highlights the situation of marginalized women in cities of the developing world.

This paper analyses 59 low- and middle-income countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, Central and Southern Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. The data show that in 80 per cent of the countries analysed, women are over represented in urban slums. For example, in Kibera, Kenya, the world’s fourth-most-populated slum – and where COVID-19 cases are highest in East Africa – there are 116 women for every 100 men. In Gabon, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti and Lesotho, the figure is 120+ women per 100 men. In 61% of the 59 developing countries analysed, more than half of women aged 15–49 live in slums.

COVID-19 exposes the harsh realities of gender inequality in slums

As the pandemic hits low- and middle-income countries, it is critical that the response acknowledge underlying inequalities that place women at even greater risk. A blog done by UN-Habitat and UN-Women exposes the harsh realities of gender inequality in slums as a result of COVID 19.

In Lebanon, social workers and psychologists are reporting higher rates of gender-based violence in slums, during COVID-19.

Ultimately, the worst-affected by the pandemic will be those facing multiple and intersecting deprivations. Women and girls in slums face the double whammy of greater exposure to the virus, given their limited access to hygiene and space, while each day of lost income and education multiplies their vulnerabilities and pushes them further behind.

Most urban-dwellers without access to safe handwashing and sanitation live in developing countries, where women and girls collect water in 80% of households.

To avoid heightening already stark social inequalities, policymakers must consider the gender profiles of slums as a first step towards reflecting the needs of women and girls in their strategies. Now, more than ever, we need exemplary solidarity to leave no one behind and prioritize the most marginalized and vulnerable. Emergency response plans must target the urban poor, including slum-dwellers, migrants, the homeless and especially women and girls within these vulnerable groups, who often face even greater challenges with less voice or resources to withstand the impacts.

About the authors

Ginette Azcona is a Research and Data Policy Specialist at UN Women. She manages the data and statistics for UN Women’s flagship reports. Before joining UN Women in 2010, she was part of the research and writing team for UNDP’s Human Development Report Office. Ginette has authored numerous publications on human development, human rights, social justice and gender and development data and is UN Women’s leading focal point on gender, data and the SDGs.

Antra Bhatt is a Statistics Specialist with UN Women’s Research and Data Team. Prior to joining UN Women, she was a researcher at Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, India. She holds a PhD in International Development from the University of Rome –‘Tor Vergata’, Italy and a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.

Robert Ndugwa is the Chief of the Data and Analytics Unit of UN-Habitat, where he leads the agency’s efforts in the collection and dissemination of global urban statistical information and oversees the development of standards and norms for urban statistical activities including the integration of geospatial, statistical and other information. Robert also serves on various boards and represents UN-Habitat at various global statistical forums such as the UN Geospatial Networks, Global Human Settlements Forum, the UN Statistical Commission.