United Nations and WHO have highlighted the challenges of gender inequality and the struggles during the Covid. A UN report states that responding to the pandemic is not just about rectifying long-standing disparities, but also about building a resilient world in the interest of everyone with women at the centre of recovery. A profound shock to our societies and economies, the COVID-19 pandemic underscores society’s reliance on women both on the front line and at home, while simultaneously exposing structural inequalities across every sphere, from health to the economy, security to social protection. In times of crisis, when resources are strained and institutional capacity is limited, women and girls face disproportionate impacts with far – reaching consequences that are only further amplified in contexts of fragility, conflict, and emergencies. Hard fought gains for women’s rights are also under threat.

Smt Rekha Sharma, Chairperson, NCW said, “During Covid especially women teachers and other professionals have done tremendous work, taking care of their home and professional commitments. This is a great effort and should be complimented wholeheartedly by all.” NCL has been at the forefront of gender equality and has taken several steps to encourage them to take up challenging assignments. “As a result, we have not only women officers, but also women in the field. I have personally taken special efforts to highlight their work to all working in NCL. Workshops and seminars have also been organized to highlight the importance of women workforce in an organization and their contribution to the economy,” said Bimlendu Kumar, Director (P) NCL. Priyank Kanoongo, Chairperson, NCPCR, said, “The lockdown allowed us to look at the child protection in a new light. We realized that the perceptions need to change with the ground realities. The commission enhanced our reach eight times, but the media wrote that during the lockdown, the child abuse has increased by eight times.”

He also pointed out that online child sexual abuse during lockdown was a concern. “We approached all social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and others and ensured that children who were using the online system to gain education are protected from any online abuse,” said Kanoongo. The above sentiments were elucidated by the eminent people working on the gender issues and child protection at the webinar on National Women Summit 2020 organized by Indian Achievers’ Forum. It was attended by Smt Rekha Sharma, Chairperson, NCW as Chief Guest along with Shri Priyank Kanoongo, Chairperson, NCPCR; Guest of Honour Sh. Ashish Garg, President. ICS; Shri Bimlendu Kumar, Director (P) NCL; Mrs Rajita Bagga, President, Sri Sri University and more.