Women and household responsibilities under COVID-19 lockdowns: many steps backwards in implementing SDG 5 in South Africa

Debates continue regarding the impacts of COVID-19 on women and girls. Lockdowns increased home-based responsibilities, causing work overloads and trauma. This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on women's household responsibilities and caregiving roles in Limpopo Province, assessing how these effects differed between urban and rural settings. Guided by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and key SDGs, including SDG 5 (Gender), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 6 (Water and Sanitation), the research utilized a quantitative survey-based approach, including household and teacher surveys. A total of 4,571 completed household surveys and 226 teacher surveys were conducted between October 2022 and March 2023. The study explored various aspects of gendered experiences during the pandemic, including water access, sanitation, education disruptions, and the increased caregiving burdens placed on women. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including ANOVA tests, were conducted to examine the relationships between household dynamics, water access, and gendered responsibilities. The data revealed significant gender disparities, with women disproportionately impacted by inadequate water, unreliable sanitation facilities, and the added burdens of unpaid caregiving. The research highlighted the increased vulnerability of the girl child, particularly regarding school dropouts and unwanted pregnancies. The paper recommends gendered perspectives in pandemic responses and age-sensitive policies for resilience. It also urges decision-makers to recognize the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on achieving SDG 5 and related goals, such as SDG 3.