Berkley Forum: Gender, Religion, and COVID-19

Abstract

"March 2021—the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic sending the United States into lockdown—is Women’s History Month, which celebrates the vital roles and contributions of women to history and contemporary society. As the ongoing pandemic exacerbates underlying challenges for women—such as domestic violence, unpaid care work, and access to education for girls—young women of faith have made positive contributions to COVID-19 response efforts around the world. While many faith communities worldwide are responding to gender and ethical issues related to COVID-19 in positive ways, the pandemic still represents a major challenge for creating more inclusive societies. For instance, the pandemic has exacerbated both anti-Black racism and racially motivated violence against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Women play important leadership roles in responding to racism, and the March 2021 shootings in Atlanta also highlight how racist violence can be intertwined with theology and gender. Further thought and action are needed as communities around the world work to “build back better” from the pandemic....."