Economic crisis to hit women harder than men: Report
CANWEST NEWS SERVICE Vancouver Sun
BY BECKY RYNOR
MARCH 6, 2009 

OTTAWA — The continuing global economic crisis will likely see more women than men lose their jobs in the year ahead, the International Labour Organization warns.

In its annual report Global Employment Trends for Women, the Geneva-based employment equity organization said up to 22 million women could join the ranks of the unemployed in 2009.

"Gender inequality in the world of work has long been with us, but it is likely that it will be exacerbated by the crisis," said Juan Somavia, director-general of the UN agency whose mandate is to promote "decent work" internationally.

"In times of economic upheaval, women often experience the negative consequences more rapidly and are slower to enjoy the benefits of recovery. And already before the crisis, the majority of working women were in the informal economy with lower earnings and less social protection."…

"Women's lower employment rates, weaker control over property and resources, concentration in informal and vulnerable forms of employment with lower earnings, and less social protection, all place women in a weaker position than men to weather crises", said ILO spokeswoman Jane Hodges. "Women may cope by engaging in working longer hours or by taking multiple low-income jobs but still having to maintain unpaid care commitments."…