Pandemic widened gender gaps in employment

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

The COVID-19 pandemic unraveled many of the economic and social gains women had achieved in the labor market, particularly for those with school-age children. In the Philippines, extended school closures—lasting up to 75 weeks—significantly burdened working mothers, forcing many to leave their jobs or reduce their working hours to meet the needs of remote learning at home.

A recent study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) titled “School Closures and Parental Labor Supply” sheds light on how these disruptions exacerbated existing gender inequalities. The research, conducted by Ma. Christina F. Epetia, John Joseph S. Ocbina, and Kimberly R. Librero, makes it clear that women bore the brunt of the pandemic’s impact on employment.

“Having school-age children during full remote learning significantly lowers the probability of paid employment for women, irrespective of their educational attainment,” the researchers noted. This trend was not observed in men, whose employment likelihood remained relatively unaffected by the presence of children at home.

For Filipino women, especially those who lacked formal childcare options, the added burden of overseeing remote education coupled with their existing household responsibilities became a juggling act that few could sustain. This was true even for highly educated women, who, despite their professional qualifications, found it difficult to balance market work and childcare. The study revealed that many of these women tended to work longer hours to compensate, suggesting a “double burden” of labor that further complicated their work-life balance.

Traditional Gender Roles Resurface

The pandemic amplified the deeply entrenched traditional gender roles that assign primary caregiving responsibilities to women. As PIDS Research Fellow Dr. Ma. Christina Epetia explained, “The findings suggest a continuation of traditional gender roles where women are often primarily responsible for childcare. As a result, they are more likely to reduce their participation in the labor market to support their children during remote learning or academic breaks.”

This social dynamic is not unique to the Philippines, but it is particularly pronounced in economies where formal support systems, such as affordable childcare services, are scarce or inaccessible. The absence of these services forced women to choose between career progression and family responsibilities, a choice that has long-term consequences for gender parity in the workforce.

Economic Fallout of School Closures

Beyond the personal impact, the broader economic implications of prolonged school closures are significant. According to Grace Baldoza, Chief of the Labor Market Information Division at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the reduction in workforce participation and productivity among women could have lasting effects on the country’s economic recovery.

“The reduction in productivity and income ultimately affects workforce employability, underscoring the call for lifelong learning and upskilling,” Baldoza noted during a recent PIDS webinar. DOLE has taken steps to enhance workforce development through various programs, such as the Government Internship Program, but these efforts must be coupled with structural reforms to truly alleviate the burden on working mothers.

Policy Interventions: A Path Forward

The PIDS study highlights the urgent need for targeted policies to mitigate the gendered impact of crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. These include providing formal and affordable childcare services and establishing flexible work arrangements that allow women to better balance their professional and personal obligations.

Without such interventions, women are likely to continue experiencing intermittent labor force participation, leading to diminished career prospects and lower lifetime earnings. This trend, if left unchecked, could undo years of progress in closing the gender gap in employment.

Furthermore, the researchers stressed that gender and inclusivity lenses should be incorporated into workforce training programs to ensure that women are not left behind in the country’s post-pandemic recovery.

Differing Perspectives on the Data

While the study’s findings underscore the significant impact of school closures on women’s employment, not all agree with the conclusions. Ateneo de Manila University Associate Professor Dr. Geoffrey Ducanes questioned whether remote learning alone could be directly linked to lower employment probabilities for parents. “Taken by itself, it is saying that remote learning has increased the probability of employment of adults, even those with school-age children, which does not sound correct,” Ducanes remarked, pointing to other factors, such as the community quarantine index, that may have influenced employment trends.

Dr. Stefan Kühn, Senior Economist at the International Labour Organization, also suggested further research, particularly examining how the presence of domestic helpers in households impacted the employment status of parents. “Adding more data and estimating for a longer period will provide a better understanding of how family dynamics and external factors influence labor market trends,” Kühn said.

The Human Toll of the Pandemic

The economic data and theoretical debates only scratch the surface of the human toll that the pandemic has inflicted, particularly on women. Maria, a single mother of two, shared her struggles after losing her job as a call center agent. “It was impossible to juggle both work and helping my kids with their online classes,” she said. The demands of remote learning left her with no choice but to stay home, plunging her family into financial instability.

Another woman, Anna, a former waitress, was driven to desperate measures. After losing her job, she reluctantly entered sex work to provide for her children. “I had no other choice. I needed to feed my children and pay the bills,” Anna shared.

These stories, while difficult to hear, highlight the stark reality that many women faced during the pandemic — a reality shaped not just by the virus itself, but by longstanding social and economic structures that leave women particularly vulnerable during times of crisis.

A Critical Moment for Change

The pandemic may have exacerbated gender inequalities in the workforce, but it has also illuminated the structural issues that need to be addressed for future resilience. As the Philippines navigates its post-pandemic recovery, policymakers must take proactive steps to support working mothers and prevent the permanent entrenchment of these disparities. The time for action is now, not just for the sake of gender equality but for the broader economic and social health of the nation.