Archbishop of Canterbury says women have suffered 'disproportionately' because of Covid-19

 (Photo: Lambeth Palace)

The Archbishop of Canterbury has called for women to be included in decision-making and leadership as Britain recovers from the pandemic.

The call came on International Women's Day on Monday, held each year to celebrate the achievements of women but also highlight areas where further action is needed to eliminate remaining inequality.

In a message on Twitter, Archbishop Justin Welby said women had bore the brunt of the pandemic's economic fallout. 

He also noted the increase in domestic violence during the pandemic. 

"The impact of Covid-19 has been borne by women who have disproportionately lost their jobs, taken on unpaid work, and suffered from rising violence," he said.

"As we recover, women must be included in decision-making, and barriers to equal leadership must be eliminated." 

Refuge, the charity that runs the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, said it received 40,000 calls and feared almost 50 suspected killings took place during the first lockdown. 

The Office for National Statistics said last November that there had been an increase in domestic abuse-related incidents and demand for domestic abuse victim services during the pandemic.

News
Preacher fined over Bible verse display challenges abortion clinic buffer zones
Preacher fined over Bible verse display challenges abortion clinic buffer zones

The abortion buffer zones have been branded "censorship zones".

God is the remedy for grief
God is the remedy for grief

To have loved deeply and to have been loved in return is one of life’s greatest gifts. But when that love is taken away, grief follows. And grief, in many ways, never fully leaves.

What does new school trans guidance mean for Scotland?
What does new school trans guidance mean for Scotland?

Although the draft guidance applies only to schools in England, there are ramifications for Scotland too.

Why is 1 Corinthians 13 often read at weddings?
Why is 1 Corinthians 13 often read at weddings?

St Paul wrote a timeless definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13, known as the “love chapter”, which is one of the most famous chapters in the Bible and is often read at weddings. This is the story …