The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially harmful for working women.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for women with children nearly doubled during the pandemic. For men with children, it increased by less than 40%.
Online learning and the closure of childcare facilities pushed many mothers out of employment to take care of the household.
The gender inequity can also be seen in appointed state boards and commissions — a topic discussed in a meeting for the Hawaiʻi State Commission on the Status of Women.
Khara Jabola-Carolus, the executive director of the commission, says that there is a gender gap for appointees during Gov. David Ige's administration. According to the State of Hawaiʻi Boards and Commissions, there are currently 855 appointees — 57.5% are men, 42% are women.
The number is expected to increase as facilities reopen and more women apply for positions.
