Building on previous discussions on empowering women and girls, this panel discussion will explore the challenges faced by girls and women due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the increase in domestic violence and situations of risk for domestic workers3, and will aim to identify measures for both immediate responses and longer-term recovery efforts. In addition, women are not only vulnerable, but have also been the driving force behind the health efforts worldwide, as many of the health workers and other personnel taking care of sick people are migrant women. Now more than ever, the important role that women are playing in the response and recovery – not only as front-line health-care workers, but also other essential workers, such as those working at home, in grocery stores, as cleaners and teachers, et cetera – needs to be emphasized. This panel will also be an occasion to present the conclusions and recommendations of a side event organized ahead of the IDM by IOM, United Nations partners and Member States on the importance of ensuring universal health coverage for all migrant women and girls.

Speakers:
• Kitlang Kabua, Minister of Education, Sports and Training, Republic of Marshall Islands
• Maya Morsy, President of National Council for Women in Egypt
• Zsuzsanna Jakab, Deputy Director General, WHO
• Christine Loew, Director UN Women Liaison Office in Geneva
• María Corina Muskus Toro, UN Major Group for Children and Youth, Co-founder, and Director of Venezolanas Globales