Row of people seated in a hall
CSC Alumni WSA Panel Discussion: Access and inclusion in a pandemic

Date: 14/10/2020

Duration: 12:00 – 13:30 (BST)

Location: Online

Panel discussion on the impact of COVID-19 on access and inclusion

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, many nations have been facing socio-economic crisis, rising insecurity, and food shortages amidst increasing public health challenges. The reports and emerging data from those on the front line have shown that all types of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence, has intensified. Other vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and persons with disability, have also been greatly impacted. Despite being a population that is particularly at-risk to COVID-19, persons with disabilities and the elderly face even greater inequalities in accessing healthcare during the pandemic, due to inaccessible health information and environments, as well as selective medical guidelines and protocols that may magnify the disenfranchisement these vulnerable persons face in healthcare provision.

The panel will highlight different aspects surrounding COVID-19 as it affects gender, age, and disability and discuss possible solutions and challenges in view of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The panel discussion will last for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including breakout groups.