Thread by @monaeltahawy

The #UK’s largest domestic abuse charity, Refuge, has reported a 700% increase in calls to its helpline in a single day.

#COVID19 is the global pandemic we all recognize.

Domestic abuse is the other global pandemic that too many refused to see

theguardian.com/society/2020/a…

The “coronavirus pandemic is deepening already existing inequalities and ‘is having devastating social and economic consequences for women and girls’ that could reverse limited progress toward gender equality over the last 25 years. ctvnews.ca/health/coronav… #COVID19

“nearly 60% of women around the world work in the informal economy, earning less,saving less & at greater risk of falling into poverty”

Millions of women's jobs have been lost & their unpaid work has "increased exponentially" bec of school closures & increased needs of elderly

As #COVID19 pandemic deepens, "economic and social stress coupled with restricted movement and social isolation measures, gender-based violence is increasing exponentially."

The UN Secretary General urged governments "to put women and girls at the centre of their efforts to recover from #COVID19."

And called for expanded social safety nets, unpaid care work to be recognized & valued, & measures to stimulate the economy to be targeted at women.