Gender equality in the context of recovery plans after the Covid-19 pandemic

This article upholds the inadequacy of any sectorial and emergency approach and the need to embrace a more holistic outlook to reconstruction and recovery. It argues that reconstruction policy can be defined as ‘gender-based’ or ‘gender-sensitive’ if at least all the following conditions are satisfied. First, if it covers all the three dimensions of participation, reparation and equality that have been extensively dealt with in the analysis. Second, if it mainstreams the goals of non-discrimination (including indirect discrim- ination) and substantive equality in all aspects of the recovery plans, in- cluding those policies that are not directly related to gender equality. Third, if it encompasses initiatives, which specifically target gender equality, with the aim to overcome any structural discrimination and to promote social innovation.