The effect of COVID-19 on women in north-east India: an inter-sectionalism perspective

Abstract

Despite significant advances by mankind, time stands witness to the magnified sufferings of the vulnerable condition of women during the pandemics. Inter-sectionalist overview of the scenario becomes quintessential to understand the root cause. An observational study was carried out among 100 women from the north-eastern states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam to understand the role of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on women. Data were collected using questionnaires in e-forms of UN Women Rapid Gender Women Assessment Survey, Perceived Stress Scale by Sheldon Cohen, and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The results showed a significant increase in time devoted to household chores and management among the majority of women especially cooking, serving, and cleaning. The study reported mental and emotional health issues by a majority of the percentage in addition to maintaining personal health care routine. Further analysis of psychological variables reported a positive correlation between perceived stress and depression among women at different age levels.