Non-Disease Gendered Effects as a Point of Analysis in Pandemic Response: A Comparative Case Study of COVID-19 Response Measures in Canada and New Zealand

Abstract

The effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on women extend beyond the disease itself and into the social and economic lives of many. This dissertation takes the form of a comparative case study and delves into the question of how well the response measures enacted in New Zealand and Canada reflect a thorough consideration of the gendered human security outcomes of the measures. As well, it assesses whether gender stakeholders were involved in the decision-making processes around policy and response. The dissertation analyses documents on the response measures and uses an intersectional approach based on criteria from each country's action plan on the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda. Overall, the results show that while mention of gender was present in the documents, it was not overwhelming and there remained many areas where it could have added significantly to the quality of the measures. Likewise, certain areas of the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda were severely underrepresented. Overarching areas of weakness include a lack of emphasis on prevention and relief and recovery. Specific weaknesses include measures that ignore the underlying gender inequity within the home and labour force, the absence of measures to aid sex workers, and a lack of recognition of the gendered dynamics often present in...