Gender-Responsive Assessment of Barbados' Social Protection Response to COVID-19

Gender-Responsive Assessment of Barbados' Social Protection Response to COVID-19

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Gender-Responsive Assessment of Barbados' Social Protection Response to COVID-19

January 10, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic highlights a need for Shock Responsive Social Protection (SRSP) measures that differ from routine social protection programmes and in some respects, those usually implemented in response to typical shocks and stressors. COVID-19 is a rapid-onset shock which is both covariate and idiosyncratic. When compared to previous covariate shocks, a major challenge related to COVID-19 is that many individuals require social protection support simultaneously, and individuals who already received support may need additional support due to the pandemic. Consequently, the capacity of the existing system to deliver relief is typically challenged. The rapid onset of the COVID-19 crisis poses specific challenges, although similar to other rapid onset shocks (e.g., earthquake). On the other hand, the global reach of the pandemic, as well as the unpredictability of its course and duration, make it different from more common shocks and more comparable to global conflicts. Another peculiarity of the COVID-19 crisis is the dramatic impact of the lockdown, and other mobility restrictions, across multiple groups with multiple needs. The measures to contain the spread of the virus have also strongly impacted the capacity of the government and its public services provision, further challenging the capacity of the social protection system to respond to the needs of people affected by the crisis. This report provides an assessment of Barbados' social protection response to COVID-19.