The Impact of COVID-19 on Women Immigrants
Hani Rukh E Qamar, Biomedical Science, McGill University
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a hurdle in many peoples’ lives, but it has especially been apparent in the lives of women – specifically women immigrants. Women immigrants already face pre-existing setbacks and inequities that make every simple task a challenge that must be conquered. Whether it is economically or personally, women immigrants will be one of the most targeted groups by the pandemic.
These women will need more resources than ever and non-profit organizations empowering women should be the first to offer them. In terms of mental health, women immigrants are already struggling immensely, and this is only getting worse. Mental health has been stigmatized in many countries therefore it is already difficult to seek help and with COVID, mental health issues have only been increasing. What does this mean for women immigrants? They need additional counselling services and access to mental health facilities across the country for free. Women immigrants and women in general who are victims of gender-based violence or domestic violence are not only living through the COVID pandemic but also the Shadow Pandemic. These women need as much access to free resources for mental health as possible.
Many non-profits and organizations that were offering free language classes for women immigrants have shut down not only in person but also online services- due to the pandemic and its’ effect on their financial situation of course. The students have been deprived of such free resources due to the COVID protocols however they need free classes they can access on an online platform. This will help decrease the damage of the pandemic by giving them an opportunity that could benefit their career opportunities but also their social networks.
Additionally, women immigrants in the informal economy have suffered greatly due to job losses because of COVID protocols. Many of these women still have no resources to combat their job loss. With the help of non-profit organizations and sponsorships, these women immigrants can be put back on track to success in their lives. Help is all they need.
About the Author
Hani Rukh E Qamar is a U1 student at McGill University in the Faculty of Science, majoring in Psychology and Minoring in Neuroscience. She is the founder of the Canadian Advisory of Women Immigrants and she is interested in women’s mental health and global health.