International Women’s Day has been celebrated on March 8 by the United Nations since 1975 but it’s origins go back much further than this, as in the late 19th and early 20th centuries women demanded better working conditions and the right to vote. IWD aims to highlight women’s achievements, issues of parity and equality between genders. IWD also highlights many of the inspirational women around the world who in the face of adversity and discrimination have challenged the status quo.

As we mark this International Women’s Day, we must recognise that not only are women on the frontline every day, but they are disproportionately bearing the burden of this pandemic, with 76% of Healthcare Workers in the EU being women. They will also carry more of the weight of caring for the sick and helping to stem the spread of the virus.

In hospitals, nursing homes and communities, women are on the frontline. If there is one thing we have learned about this pandemic, it’s that the world is in this together and we can only overcome it if we act as one. A recent National Women’s Council of Ireland survey revealed that 85% of women found their caregiving responsibilities increased since the outbreak of the pandemic. Many women work full shifts on the frontline, to then come home and be the main care giver for their own families. This is putting women at risk of burnout, both physically and mentally – and we must do more to care for the women in our lives.

We are aware healthcare staff can take on great workloads when caring for people – as rewarding as this industry can be, it can also be extremely stressful and tiring and often healthcare workers can forget to care for themselves. If you have found things to be tough or overwhelming, there are over 300 IACP (Irish Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) accredited counsellors and psychotherapists currently offering healthcare workers voluntary sessions. IACP offer people the opportunity to speak up and de-stress, without judgment or reprisal.

We thank all women putting themselves at risk on the frontline everyday and offer our support and gratitude for making Communicare a better place.