Measures should be taken to stop violence towards female workers, disproportionately affected by the pandemic and provide support to them, as COVID-19 has aggravated violence against women and slows down their economic empowerment, a UN official told CGTN on the day the world marks the Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25).

Violence against women has long been an aching problem of all countries no matter if developed or developing. The UN official says the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified all types of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence.

Melissa Alvarado, Program Manager of Ending Violence against Women at the UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, said governments should take measures to stop violence and provide support to female workers disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

UN research indicates that the cost of violence against women could amount to around 2 percent of the global gross domestic product (GDP), equivalent to $1.5 trillion. That includes direct costs such as healthcare, legal fees, emergency housing and indirect costs like mental health consequences, trauma, and lost jobs.

Violence is not just limited to households. It also happens in the workplace. "And there is a cost too in terms of productivity and absentees," said Alvarado.

Women's economic autonomy and their power in a relationship are important factors in preventing and escaping violence. However, the pandemic has weakened that autonomy as women are over-represented in virus-hit sectors such as tourism, manufacturing and healthcare.

"We are calling for economic measures to be formulated," said Alvarado. 

(Cover via CFP)