Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Women Professionals in Nagpur District - A Study

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated a seismic shift in the global labor market, with disproportionate repercussions for women professionals. This study investigates the multi-dimensional impact of the pandemic on working women in the Nagpur District of Maharashtra, India. Focusing on key sectors such as healthcare, education, information technology (IT), and the unorganized sector, this research analyzes the "double burden" of professional duties and domestic responsibilities exacerbated by lockdown measures. Using a secondary research approach synthesizing data from local health institutes (AIIMS Nagpur), government reports (MAVIM), and socio-economic surveys in the Vidarbha region, the study reveals that women professionals in Nagpur faced distinct challenges compared to their male counterparts. Findings indicate a significant rise in mental health disorders, including anxiety and burnout, particularly among healthcare workers (HCWs) where prevalence rates reached 47%. Furthermore, the transition to Work-From-Home (WFH) in the corporate and educational sectors blurred work-life boundaries, resulting in an average work-day extension of 3-4 hours. Economically, women in the informal sector of Nagpur faced severe livelihood instability, while those in formal employment grappled with stalled career progression and wage stagnation. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for gender-sensitive workplace recovery plans in Tier-2 Indian cities.